EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF COMMON SCAMS:
IMPERSONATOR SCAMS: "Phony" gas company inspector, phony police, etc. "flashes" identification and wants to come into your home. (Especially suspicious if they ask where you hide your valuables)
PIDGEON DROP: When someone tells you he or she has just found some money and wants to share it with you.
BANK EXAMINER SCHEME: A phone call from a "bank officer" checking on a dishonest employee and wanting your help.
JAMAICAN SWITCH: Foreign person who "flashes" a lot of money and is giving you some "for just helping".
HOME IMPROVEMENT SCAMS: Person appears at your door, offering to spray your driveway or roof, fertilize the lawn, trim your trees, or some other home improvement. The price they quote will seem cheap, and they promise to do the work right away.
MAIL FRAUDS: Fake contract arrives in your mail, usually begins with the news that you have won something.
WORK AT HOME SCAMS: Newspaper or other ads claiming that you can earn money at home if you just send them money.
BAIT AND SWITCH SCAMS: You cannot find the advertised bargains and the salesperson directs you to a higher priced item.
HEALTH QUACKERY: Product or service offered as a secret remedy. Sponsor claims to be battling the medical profession, which won't recognize some marvelous discovery. The remedy is sold door- to-door, or in direct mail solicitations offering free medical diagnosis, etc. The promoter tells you of miracle cures.
DO NOT use E-mail for an Emergency. CALL 911!