Scams come in all shapes and sizes.
A recent report from the Federal Trade Commission presented a case where flyers were distributed at churches, on windshields, and on bulletin boards at senior centers and nursing homes.
The flyers promised $5,000 in Social Security reimbursement and “slave reparation.” The flyers stated that you simply had to pay a fee and provide some personal information. These flyers, as you may have guessed, were a scam.
Oftentimes, people, particularly the elderly, tend to be trusting and optimistic.
Once a scam operation has your Social Security number, it can be used to open accounts, get documents such as a driver’s license and ruin your credit.
TIPS FROM THE FTC:
- Never reveal your personal identifying information unless you know exactly who you are dealing with and how it will be used.
- Verify the details with any government agency that’s “involved” in any offer.
If you do happen to give someone pertinent personal information, follow up by reading all of your bills carefully and by calling your creditors to dispute any charges that you didn’t make or authorize.
