The Smart investing@yourlibrary® news posts provide information on topics for anyone interested in becoming an educated consumer when it comes to saving and spending your hard earned money wisely! Please check out our current Smart investing@your library® Recommended Reads and upcoming workshops. (This program is made possible by a grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation through Smart investing@your library®, a partnership with the American Library Association.)
Smart investing@your library® - Preventing Identity Theft
In the world of Identity Theft and Scamming, this Strawman is not from Oz…
Have you received an email from a “long lost” relative (usually from overseas) contacting you because you are the recipient of a million dollar trust fund? “However, in order to receive this money, please send your bank account number, social security number, etc. and we can transfer this found money into your hands.”
The only thing that will transfer is a zero balance to your account along with much financial heartache which can take years to mend.
With Identity Theft becoming less of an exception, it is important to be vigilant when checking credit card statements, bank accounts, using an ATM or purchasing online products and services.
The FBI’s Common Fraud Schemes lists the latest schemes to steal your Identity and livelihood. Most of us know about the Pyramid scheme, but have you heard of Prime Bank Note, the Letter of Credit, Redemption, Strawman or Bond Fraud? Learn how these schemes work and what steps are needed to protect yourself and others from becoming victims.
Do you have older family members or friends who may need a trusted, reliable source of information on preventing fraud? Direct them to Fraud Target: Senior Citizens, providing vital information on how to protect their assets, especially in the area of health care and telemarketing scams specifically targeting them.
Can you readily spot an Internet scam? It really is the worldwide web and there are cyber vultures all over the planet looking for victims. Familiarize yourself with Internet Crime Prevention Tips. Have a secure a financial future by being proactive when it comes to protecting your Identity.
