The following are tips to help stop you from becoming a victim of fraud. This list is not all-inclusive. If you are unsure if a scammer is targeting you, contact your local department’s non-emergency number.

• Most financial institutions will not contact you and ask for personal information. If a company contacts you with an account you do not have, it is likely a scam. If you have an account with that company, do not contact the number they give you. Locate the number for the company yourself, either online or on the back of your bank/credit card.
• Companies and government agencies will not require you to pay for services or debts with prepaid cards. If the caller asks for this, it is very likely a scammer. These scammers often target the elderly. If you work in retail and you have someone attempting to purchase prepaid cards and you believe this is the case, please advise them to contact the police.
• Don’t be afraid to talk to someone you trust if you are unsure if the caller is telling the truth. Talk to someone you know and trust before you send any money.
• If you are contacted by someone or respond to an ad offering to make money by working as a “middleman” to pay other people, this is likely a scam.
• Don’t pay upfront for a promise. Someone might ask you to pay in advance for debt relief, credit,  loan offers, mortgage assistance, or a job. They might even say you’ve won a prize, but first, you must pay taxes or fees. If you do, they will probably take the money and disappear. 
• Sign up for free scam alerts from the FTC at ftc.gov/scams. Get the latest tips and advice about scams sent right to your inbox.
• See these links for additional tips:
• https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0060-10-things-you-can-do-avoid-fraud
• https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes