How to Recognize Fraud & Scams

A good rule of thumb is to use common sense before conducting any financial transaction.

• Local & Face to Face: Be very cautious when doing business with strangers online. It is best to deal with people you can meet face to face.
• Never send money to a distant stranger especially using services like Western Union, wire transfers, escrow services (like BidPay or Squaretrade).
• Never provide your personal financial information to a distant stranger, (like bank account numbers, drivers licence numbers, social security numbers, credit card numbers, eBay/PayPal info, etc.)
• Always use common sense and remember the old saying, if a deal looks too good to be true it probably is to good to be true.

If you believe are the victim of fraud there are a few things you can do.

• Contact your local police department via their non-emergency phone number.
• Contact FTC toll free hot line: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357).
• Complete the FTC online complaint form (www.ftc.gov).
• Contact the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov).
• Contact Us to report the suspect ad. Be sure to include the url.