We recently shared a post about protecting yourself from IRS scams, which is worth looking at especially as tax season is in full swing. But we’d like to make you aware of another great online resource that provides people with a wide range of information about fraud and scam protection — the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) website. This site has an entire section filled with information about fraud and scams — everything from identity theft and phishing, to elder financial exploitation and mail fraud.
In general, the CFPB has a few tips to protect your self from scams:
- Don’t share your Social Security number, credit card number or passwords with others
- Be wary of someone claiming to be from the government and asking you to pay money (see our IRS scams blog post)
- Be cautious of sales pitches that pressure you to “act now” or ask you to pay immediately by wiring money or sending it via a courier
- Never pay fees or taxes in advance to receive a “prize”
- Add your number to the Do Not Call Registry (1.888.382.1222)
- If it sounds too good to be true…remember that it probably is
If you suspect you, or someone you know, is the victim of a scam the CFPB recommends contacting your local police department and state attorney general, as well as submitting a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
For more information, visit the CFPB website and share this important resource with others.
