Preventing Fraud

Guidelines for Preventing Fraud:
• If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Never give out personal information (bank account numbers, credit card numbers, social security number) to someone who contacts you. Always contact institutions yourself based on information you know to be secure.
• Never sign blank forms.
• Don’t respond to “act now” offers. Ask them to send you information in writing, including information on the company.
• Don’t send money in order to get more money (this scam takes many forms, but always involves you sending them some money first).
• Sign up for the “no call” list to prevent telephone solicitation.
• “Opt out” of unsolicited credit card offers.
• Request and review your credit report periodically to monitor any suspicious activity.

Common Types of Fraud:
• Telemarketing or mail scams
• Home repair fraud
• Identity theft
• Credit card fraud
• Medicare/health insurance fraud
• Lottery/prizes/sweepstake winnings
• Phony charities
• Investment fraud

Resources:
• Communities Against Senior Exploitation (CASE Partnership).
• AARP Colorado Elder Watch
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• www.fraud.org
• www.coloradonocall.com Online registry for Colorado No Call List, as well as a link for the national no call list.
• www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp Online application for free credit report.

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