AVOID BECOMING A FRAUD VICTIM
© 2003 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
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        We all know that there are a lot of scam artists out there, but how can we protect ourselves from them? Here are some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

        Identity theft is on the rise. When someone steals your identity, they can get credit in your name and leave you with the bill (and the bad credit report). Here's how you can protect your valuable information:

1. Don't carry your Social Security card with you. Keep it in a safe place in your home.

2. Don't give any personal information to anyone on the phone or through the mail or Internet unless you initiated contact with them. This includes your Social Security number, your bank account number, your mother's maiden name, your address, or your credit card numbers.

3. Guard your mail. When you send out checks to pay bills, put them in a U.S. Post Office mailbox to prevent anyone from stealing them. If your mailbox isn't locked, you may want to buy a small lock for it.

4. Order a copy of your credit report at least once a year. This gives you a chance to find out what is on your report and notify the reporting agency of any errors.

Decide what you want and what you can afford before you talk to any seller

        If you're thinking about purchasing something, take some time to consider exactly what you want and how much you want to spend. When you know what you want before you talk to a salesperson, it's less likely that they will convince you that you need something that you really don't. It's also a good idea to avoid salespeople until you are ready to make a purchase. Here are some hints for reducing your contact with direct marketers:

1. Major credit reporting companies such as Equifax, TransUnion, Experian, and Innovis sell your personal information to creditors. You can remove your name from all mailing lists by calling 1-888-5OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688). Make sure to say that you want your name removed from mailing and telemarketing lists.

2. The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) represents merchants who sell goods through the mail, phone, or Internet. To have your name taken off most national advertising mailing lists, write to Mail Preference Services, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY, 11735-9008. To have your name removed from national telemarketing lists, write to Telephone Preference Services, P.O. Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY, 11735-9014.

3. New York State has a "Do Not Call" Registry. You can call them at 1-888-382-1222. This should stop most telemarketing calls. Their website is www.nynocall.com.

        Never do business with a company that you don't know. The Internet is a valuable resource for researching companies. If you don't have a computer, visit the local library. They have Internet access and the librarians can teach you how to use it. Here are some places to research companies:

        Visit the Better Business Bureau's website at http://search.bbb.org/search.html to see whether any complaints have been lodged against the company.

1. The National Fraud Information Center's webpage at www.fraud.org has information on recent national and local frauds.

2. A general Internet search can give you a lot of information about a company. Go to a general search engine (such as www.yahoo.com,   www.hotbot.com, or www.google.com) and type in the company's name. This will give you access to the company's webpage as well as webpages that mention the company. Check them out to see what people are saying.

        This isn't always easy to do! First, read all papers before you sign them.

        Contracts are full of confusing language, but ask the seller about anything you don't understand. Don't sign anything that has blank lines. Write "Not Applicable" in these areas so no one goes back later and fills them in. Be wary of sellers that want you to sign a contract right away without the opportunity to take it home and read it at your own pace.

        If you save yourself from being a victim of fraud, congratulations! But don't stop there. By notifying the proper authorities, you can help prevent future victimization of others. You can lodge a complaint with many organizations:

You can send written complaints to:
741 Delaware Ave., Ste. 100
Buffalo, NY 14209 -2201

You may also file complaints online at:
http://www.bbb.org/bbbcomplaints/Welcome.asp

The New York State Consumer Protection Board

You can send written complaints to:
5 Empire State Plaza
Suite 2101
Albany, NY 12223-1556

You may also file complaints online at:
www.consumer.state.ny.us

Written complaints must be completed on the proper form.
Call the Consumer Helpline at 1-800-771-7755 to request a form.

You can send written complaints to:
6^th Street & Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Room 240
Washington, DC 20580

This information letter was prepared with a grant from The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo

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