Top 10 Ways to Protect Yourself from Fraud in 2007

01/25/2007 - 10. Don’t withdraw or wire money at the suggestion of a stranger who claims you’ve won the lottery, found a lot of money or who wants to help distribute money to charity.

9. Only hire licensed contractors that you’ve checked out with the Better Business Bureau, and never do business with door-to-door contractors or those asking for money in advance.

8. Have Social Security and other benefit checks direct-deposited in your account; mail checks inside the Post Office or bank online; have new boxes of checks sent to your bank rather than to your home; use a cross-cut shredder.

7. Don’t keep your purse, checkbook, laptop computer or other identifying info in your car and keep your car locked at all times.

6. Don’t carry your Social Security card or checkbook in public, and keep your wallet in a hidden or secure pouch – not your purse.

5. Get your free credit report every year from all three credit bureaus – go to www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228, and consider putting a Security Freeze on your credit file (info at 303-271-6970).

4. Never sign legal papers, make an investment, or sign mortgage documents without reading and understanding what you’re signing – no matter how much you know or trust someone. Get a second or third opinion from a banker, attorney, CPA or other trusted     advisor.

3. Choose your Power of Attorney with care and set up a system of checks and balances so no one person has complete control.

2. Don’t talk to strangers on the phone, at your door, or on the street.

1. If in doubt, call the District Attorney’s Fraud Line – and talk to a live person! 

For assistance call:

District Attorney’s Fraud Line, 303-271-6980
Email: casefraudline@jeffco.us
www.districtattorney1.org

CASE is a Partnership of the District Attorney and the Community to Prevent Financial Exploitation.