​    Sounds too good to be true.

    Pressures you to act “right away.”

    Guarantees success

    Promises unusually high returns.

    Requires an upfront investment – even for a “free” prize.

    Buyers want to overpay you for an item and have you send them the difference.

    Doesn’t have the look of a real business.

    Something just doesn’t feel right.

    Never click on a link inside an e-mail to visit a Web site.  Type the address into your browser instead.

    It’s easy for a business to look legitimate online.  If you have any doubts, verify the company with the Better Business Bureau.

    Only 2% of reported identity theft occurs through the mail.  Report online fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/complaint​.

    Retain your receipts, statements, and packing slips.  Review them for accuracy.

    Shred confidential documents instead of simply discarding them in the trash. 

    Your bank will never e-mail or call you for your account number

    Don’t wire money to people you don’t know.

    Be cautious of work-at-home job offers.

    Check out the company with the Better Business Bureau.

    There are no legitimate jobs that involve reshipping items or financial instruments from your home.

    Foreign lotteries are illegal in the U.S.  You can’t win no matter what they say.

    Check your monthly bank statements for charges you don’t recognize.

    Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three national credit bureaus once a year from annualcreditreport.com.

​    It’s never too early to become an informed consumer.  Point out “too good to be true” offers to your kids, and teach them to be skeptical. 

    Take an active interest in the financial activities of your aging parents.

    Share information about scams with friends and family.  Use social networking to help keep them safe.