Scam Artists - May 6, 2013

Remember the old adage "If it sounds too good to be true"-it probably is. Try to keep that in mind if you are one of the unlucky ones to be approached by the increasing number of scam artists operating in Central Florida this spring. We have heard some doozies lately and none have led to happy returns. There are a couple of important rules to keep yourself safe and in a good relationship with your money. 1) If you didn't call and ask for a service person for a particular problem, don't let them in your house; don't go outside with them to look at a tree, a fence, the roof, etc. You can call and ask a reputable company for an estimate. 2) Keep your house and car doors locked! 3) If someone is in distress and wants to use your phone inside your home, call for them while they remain outside. 4) If you see well-dressed professional looking individuals approaching your absent neighbors home, be suspicious! Watch to see if they are trying to get in and call your local law enforcement. Remember the mantra following the Boston Marathon Bombing: If you see something, say something! 5) Never ever give out your social security number, credit card number, bank account number, or other valuable personal information over the phone no matter who the caller says they are. 6) Do not allow a telephone caller to direct you to push keys on your computer. You could be accepting a virus which will strip your personal information. If it sounds too good to be true-it probably is!