Today is the day for making jokes, then saying “April fools.” But it’s also a good day to think about consumer scams to avoid the old saying, “A fool and his money are soon parted.”
Here’s a list of the latest scams from the Free Press:
- Census scammers: Someone posing as a Census official will come to your door or send you an e-mail asking for your Social Security number or other financial information.
- Phone scams: Scammers get a phone number one digit off from widely advertised recall numbers, then ask those responding for their Social Security numbers. Or consumers are asked to call another 800 number and about $6 is added to their phone bill.
- Inheritance scams: You’re told you’ve inherited money. However, the scam artist just wants to get your account number to rip you off. Or, they want you to wire money.
- Family fraud. You get a call that your grandchild is in trouble, and you should wire money.
See the Free Press article “Today’s an Ideal Day to Avoid Being Fooled by Scammers” for more information on the latest tricks by scam artists.
See also Privacy, Fraud, and Scams on mymoney.gov for information on protecting yourself from fraud and how to file consumer complaints.
In addition, visit the Better Business Bureau’s Consumer Scam Prevention Tips.
