Fraud Alert! How to Prevent Fraud in 2010
CASE, Communities Against Senior Exploitation is a Partnership of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Community to Prevent Elder Financial Exploitation. Here are eight tips to aid in the prevention of fraud.
1. Whether approached on the street, at my door or by telephone, I will not talk to strangers!
2. When making major financial decisions, I will get several opinions from trusted family members and advisors.
3. No matter how well I know or trust someone, I will not sign legal papers or make an investment that I don’t understand or that seems unusual without first checking it out.
4. I will not carry my Social Security card or checkbook in public; I will keep my wallet in my pocket or a hidden/secure pouch.
5. I will not keep my purse, checkbook, briefcase, laptop or other personal/financial information in my car.
6. I will mail checks inside the post office, have my new box of checks sent to my bank/credit union and shred all financial documents with a cross-cut shredder.
7. I will hire only licensed contractors I have checked out with the Better Business Bureau, and will not do business with door-to-door solicitors or those asking for a lot of money in advance.
8. I will not withdraw money from my bank at the suggestion of a stranger who claims I have won the lottery, found a lot of money, or someone claiming to be a bank official.
Media inquires should be directed to Community Relations Manager at 477-1481
For assistance call the Sheriff’s Office Fraud Line: 477-1242.