Watching for scams: What scammers try and how to protect yourself

TYPES OF SCAMS

• Sweepstakes/lottery scam

  Scammer claims victim is a winner but demands upfront payment of taxes, customs fees or other charges. May ask for bank account information to "deposit" the winnings but the money never arrives.

• Sweetheart scam

  Scammer contacts victim online seeking romance, asks for money to pay for a visit, to pay a debt, help a relative or make investments. Ohio victims lose an average of $23,000.

• IRS Scam

  Scammer claims money is owed and demands immediate payment, sometimes under threat of arrest.

• Pigeon Drop

  Con artist promises to split a sum of money with victim, who is asked to make a "good faith" payment.

• Grandparent Scam

  Scammer pretends to be a grandchild in need of immediate funds due to arrest, accident, or other reason and asks that money be sent immediately and secretly to avoid embarrassment. May cry to disguise voice. Scammers get grandchild's name from social media accounts to make it sound more real.

• Nigerian prince scam

  Person claiming to be high-placed official seeks "help" getting millions out of that country and asks for bank account numbers and payment of taxes or fees in exchange for sharing the money with the victim.

• Charity scams

  Wide variety of fraudulent claims that donations will help disaster victims, abused children, orphans, or other needy people.

• Gift basket scam

  Scammer brings a gift basket with alcohol in it, asks to see photo ID and get a small payment by credit card to pay for delivery, giving fraudster access to the victim's credit card and personal information, which are often immediately used for online purchases.

• Obituary Scam

  Scammers use obituaries to obtain the names of surviving spouses and make calls claiming deceased spouse owed a debt, using intimidation, threats and public shaming to force payment. Discounted settlement offer may be made if payment is made quickly.

• Inheritance scam

  Fraudster claims to be an attorney, banker or government official and tells victim they have inherited money but must first pay a fee to claim it.

• Home improvement scam

  Scammer contracts with the senior and does not do the work or does a shoddy job, overcharges, or falsely claims the senior ordered something and demands payment.

Sources: Better Business Bureau, Ohio Attorney General, FBI, AARP, Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement.

SIGNS OF A SCAM

• Demand for quick decision.
• Demand for secrecy.
• Request that money be sent via wire transfer or prepaid money cards.
• Request for bank account information.
• A promise of money comes with demand for advance payment of fees or taxes.
• Caller wants remote access to your computer.
• You are told you've won a contest you did not enter.
• Company refuses to provide written information.
• Company has no physical address.
• Company offers to send someone to your home to pick up the money.
• Contractor offers deal to use "left over" supplies from another home improvement project.
• Email from unfamiliar source asks you to follow a link or provide personal and financial information.

Sources: Ohio Attorney General, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, National Council on Aging, FBI

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

• Don't make quick decisions.
• Read contracts and purchase agreements before signing.
• Do not allow yourself to be pressured or intimidated.
• Don't buy from an unfamiliar company.
• Research companies and individuals.
• Tell friends and family about offers you receive or individuals who contact you seeking friendship.
• Don't send money to someone you meet online or over the phone.
• Be skeptical of request to send money via wire transfer or prepaid money cards.
• Sign up for National Do Not Call Registry at www.DoNotCall.gov
• Know that if a deal sounds too good to be true it is probably not true.
• Never provide credit card, bank information or social security numbers to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons.
• Avoid investment opportunities making exaggerated earnings claims.
• Verify charity or business is legitimate by calling Ohio Attorney General's office and Better Business Bureau.
• Secure personal information and financial documents so visitors or care providers cannot get it.
• Believe warnings from your banker or other trusted people about possible scams.

Sources: Ohio Attorney General, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, National Council on Aging, FBI

WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE SCAMMED

• Act immediately. Your chances of recovering money decline rapidly with the passage of time.
• Report to police.
• Alert bank or credit card company.
• Alert Western Union or prepaid card company.
• Inv oke cancellation clause if you've signed a contract.
• Document dates, conversations, names and phone numbers and keep any written records involving the scam.
• Report to Better Business Bureau
• Report to the Ohio Attorney General and Federal Trade Commission.

Sources: Ohio Attorney General, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, National Council on Aging, FBI

RESOURCES

• Ohio Attorney General (1-800-282-0515)
• Federal Trade Commission (1-877-438-4338)
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Better Business Bureau Dayton/Miami Valley (937-222-5825)