The following are tips to help stop you from becoming a victim of fraud. This is not and all inclusive list. If you are unsure if you are being targeted by a scammer, contact your local departments non-emergency number.

• Most financial institutions will not contact you and ask for personal information. If you are contacted by a company that you do not have an account with, it is likely a scam. If you do 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 you bank/credit card.
• Companies and government agencies will not have you pay for services/debts with prepaid cards. If the caller is asking 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 that 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 in regards to making money by working as a “middle-man” 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 things like debt relief, credit and loan offers, mortgage assistance, or a job. They might even say you’ve won a prize, but first you have to 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 this 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