Never give out information over the telephone. Legitimate businesses, banks and Government offices will not ask for your personal information or bank account number.
Never wire money to someone you don’t know.
Be cautious if you’re told you’ve won the lottery or a vacation—whatever it may be. Ask yourself if you even entered the contest. If you hadn’t; that is a warning that the person you’re dealing with is not legitimate.
Never give your money order serial numbers, wire transfer serial numbers or receipt numbers to anyone.
Beware of checks mailed to you that you were not expecting, or checks written for over the amount of what they should have been. They are probably fake.
Be wary of people who represent that they are foreign government officials.
Tips for protecting yourself from scams:
Source: Newark Div. of Police
Don’t allow yourself to be pressured. It’s okay to tell them not to call back and hang up. You can change your telephone number or put yourself on the National Do-Not-Call-Registry online or by calling 1-888-382-1222.
Be cautious if you’re asked to send or receive packages. Most likely the items are stolen.
If you get a call from a family member who is in trouble and needs money, tell another family member and verify that they really are where they say they are.
Remember that if it sounds too good to be true; it probably is.