|
|
|
FRAUDS and SCHEMES
|
Frauds & Schemes |
|
View latest Fraud/Scheme
|
|
CON GAMES AND SWEET TALK CRIMES
Pigeon drop
This scheme accounts for more than half of the confidence games reported to police. The
swindlers claim to have found a large sum of money and offer to share it with you. You are
asked to withdraw "good faith" money from your bank. The swindlers take the
"good faith" money and give you a phoney address where you are to collect your
share of the money. You never see them again.
Bank examiner
A phoney bank examiner contacts you and asks for your help in catching a dishonest bank
employee. He asks you to withdraw a specified amount of cash from your account so that he
may check the serial numbers. After turning over your money to the examiner, you never
hear from him again.
Door-to-door sales
Many door-to-door sales are not legitimate. Provincial laws protect you against quick
sales at your door. Enquire and be sure.
MAIL FRAUD SCHEMES
Consumer frauds
Beware of contests which require you to put up money to win, even if there is a guarantee
that you will be a winner.
Home improvement offers
Beware of tempting home improvement offers, made through the mail or on-the-spot. These
offers are a popular type of swindle.
Chain referral schemes
These schemes offer a commission for buying one item and selling additional ones to
friends. The products are usually over-priced and difficult to sell.
Retirement estates
Any retirement estates offered at conspicuously low prices to "lucky"
individuals are usually fraudulent and should be avoided.
Business opportunities
Business opportunities and work-at-home schemes which promise high profits after a
substantial investment or registration fee are often fraudulent.
Medical frauds
Fake laboratory tests, miracle cures, and mail order clinics, etc. are other ways schemed
to defraud you. Legitimate doctors and hospitals do not advertise through the mail.
The Obit Column Sting
Fast-buck artists send a surviving spouse bills for phony debts, purchases, etc. If
you get an unfamiliar bill after the death of a loved one, check it out before you pay.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION
- Do not rush into something involving your
money or property.
- Beware of something-for-nothing or
get-rich-quick schemes.
- Never sign a contract until you and your
lawyer, banker or other expert has thoroughly read it.
- Never turn over large sums of cash to
anyone, especially a stranger, no matter how promising the deal looks.
- Do not hesitate to
check their credentials of a salesman or public official.
- Report all suspicious offers to the police
immediately, before the swindler leaves town in search of other victims.
- Arrange for incoming checks to be sent
directly to your bank.
OTHER
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS
At home
- Install good locks and always use them.
- Don't leave tell-tale signs that you are
away.
- Never open your door to a stranger without
credentials. Install a wide-angle door viewer which permits you to see callers before you
open the door.
On the street
- Walk only in well-lit areas.
- Do not burden yourself with packages and a
bulky purse.
- Never display large sums of money in
public.
- Walk near the curb and away from alleys and
doorways.
In your car
- Always lock your car after entering and
whenever leaving it.
- If you have car trouble, raise the hood,
lock yourself in and wait for the police. If a stranger stops to offer help, do not get
out of your car. Ask the stranger to call a service truck for you.
- If you suspect someone is following you,
drive to the nearest public place (gas station, all-night restaurant) and blow your horn.
|
|
| Contact the Arlington Police Economic Crime Unit: |
|
|
|
| Other Fraud resources: |
National Fraud Information Center
(if you have been swindled by phone)
1-800-876-7060
web site
Federal Trade Commission
Consumer Fraud
Washington, DC 20580
web site
Texas Attorney Generals Office - Identity Theft Kit
web site
-- or --
Federal Trade Commission
Telemarketing Fraud Project
Room 200
6th & Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20580
(if you have been swindled by phone)
|
|
|
|
|
