| Consumer Tips |
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What Fraud Is
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Fraud is lies or tricks designed to get you to part with your money for products or services that have little or no value. Con artists are sharp, believable, creative - and they want your money - usually right now. They use the language of modern science and finance, the newest information and communications tools. Some are even making their operations international. Being aware, informed, and suspicious is often enough to beat fraud. If it sounds too good to be true, it is! |
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General Information |
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- If you are considering working at home, be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true. There are few ways to earn easy money and the advertising claims made by work at home peddlers are almost always false or highly exaggerated.
- Beware of high-pressure sales tactics and pitches that require payment today.
- Do not accept vague statements like "all major airlines" or "all major hotels." Get specifics.
- If accommodations are included, call the hotel and independently confirm reservations and whether payment has been made.
- Most contracts do not have a cancellation or recision period. That means be sure you want something before you buy it and make sure you ask about the refund policy before you purchase.
- Carefully read contracts before signing. If it is unclear, request a blank copy and have someone you trust review it.
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Buying A Used Car |
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- Florida does not have a three day right of cancellation or a lemon law on the purchase of a used vehicle.
- Before you buy, decide what kind of car you need and how much you can afford to spend. Comparison shop for price, condition, warranty and mileage.
- Have it inspected by an independent mechanic of your choice before you make any commitments.
- Read the contract and have the dealer write any promises on the contract. Do not rely on verbal promises. Get a copy of the contract!
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Getting Your Car Repaired |
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- Make sure you have a written estimate and that the work order reflects what you want done.
- Don't tell the mechanic what you think needs fixing. Instead describe the problem and let the mechanic decide what needs fixing.
- For major repairs, think about getting a second opinion.
- Find out if there is a warranty on the repairs and make sure it is noted on the final bill.
- Go with your car to the shop whenever possible, so that none of your rights are waived.
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Hiring a Contractor |
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- Avoid door to door solicitors. Reputable construction firms do not rely on street sales.
- Don't hire anyone who won't give you references or show you he or she's licensed, bonded and insured. Insist on seeing a copy of the contractor's license. Counties issue licenses, so does the state. Contractors must have both. Check out the credentials.
- If you cannot pay for a project without a loan, add a clause to your contract stating it is valid only if financing is obtained.
- Avoid doing business with companies, individuals, and lenders who don't appear to have a regular place of business or are using a post office box with no street address.
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Prizes and Sweepstakes |
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- Be suspicious if you are asked for money to claim a prize. Swindlers often tell victims the money is for "taxes" or "shipping and handling charges."
- Never give out your credit card number to collect a prize or enter a contest. Con artists often request this information as "proof of eligibility."
- Don't pay anything for a "free prize".
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Investments & Business Opportunities |
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- Investigate and verify all information. Do not assume that official looking documents are either accurate or complete
- Beware of investment opportunities where your profit is "guaranteed" or there's little or no risk. Con artists are good at molding facts, half-truths, and lies into pitches that are exactly what you'd like to hear
- Avoid investing in businesses you know nothing about. It's unlikely you'll make money in a deal you can't understand or verify.
- Ignore testimonials or references that can be hired.
- Always consult with an accountant or your financial advisor before taking the leap into exotic investment opportunities.
- Check out the reputation of the company. Verify their complaint history and how long they have been in business.
- Do your own personal research to find out the potential a program actually has.
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Telephone Solicitations |
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- If you think a telemarketing call is legitimate and you're interested ask for a name and number to call back. Or ask the caller to mail you information. If you can't call back, if you have to take advantage of the offer "right now", or if the caller won't mail you information -- don't buy.
- Check the telephone number or call directory assistance to find out if the company is listed. Often, con artists won't bother to obtain a listing.
- Never give a telemarketer your credit card number or banking information unless you have done business with them before and were satisfied.
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Fraudulent Health Claims |
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- Ask yourself -- does the person or ad offer a quick or painless cure? If so, it is probably not legitimate.
- Don't buy products and programs where testimonials or case histories are the only evidence the treatment works.
- Be skeptical about claims offering "miracle or secret cures" or "scientific breakthroughs". True cures or breakthroughs are always publicized widely in the media; there are no secret cures.
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Warranties and Guarantees |
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- Do not wait until the product fails or needs repair to find out what is covered by the warranty.
- Keep sales receipts and warranties in a safe place.
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Credit Card Fraud |
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- Keep an eye on your card after giving it to a clerk and get it back as soon as it's imprinted.
- Don't sign blank receipts; draw a line through any blank spaces.
- Don't give your card number over the phone unless you're sure of the company and the caller.
- Immediately question in writing any doubtful charges on your bill.
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Beware These Key Words! |
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- Cash Only -- Why is cash necessary for a proposed transaction? Why not a check?
- Secret Plans -- Why are you being asked not to tell anyone?
- Something For Nothing -- A retired swindler once said that any time you are promised something for nothing, you usually get nothing.
- Haste -- Be wary of any pressure that you must act immediately or lose out.
- Today Only -- If something is worthwhile today, it's likely to be available tomorrow.
- Last Chance -- If it's a chance worth taking, why is it offered on such short notice?
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How To Be Web Ready |
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- Keep private information private.
Smart surfers don't disclose personal information unless they know who's collecting it, why, and how it's going to be used. And they never disclose their password.
- Get to know online merchants.
Be cautious of a company that claims to have a secret connection overseas or doesn't allow e-mail replies.
- Question out-of-this-world claims.
Claims like "you can earn over $50,000 a month" or "lose weight without dieting" suggest a scam. Be wary of any company that makes a product or performance claim that's unlikely—or just plain hard to believe.
- Make sure it's secure.
If you buy something on the Internet and need to give your credit card number, verify the online security or encryption before you do business.
- Watch the .exe files.
Secret programs may exist in files you download—especially .exe files. These files could ruin your hard drive, hijack your modem, or collect information about you without your knowledge. Install a virus protection program before you go online
- Filter for fun.
Inexpensive "filtering" software programs help make sure your family members are protected from sites that may not be age—or interest—appropriate.
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Public Safety 
