Good article on how to avoid scams

Please click the link below to read the excellent article  by Marla Beck a writer for the Madison Park Times:

AGING WITH CARE | Scammers target trusting seniors

I agree totally with her rule:

“My rule: Do not give money via the phone, email or to in-person solicitors; never give out your credit-card information.”

Here are a few of the scams that she mentions in her article:

1. Selling you services that you do not need
2. Unethical charities trying to get money from you
3. People asking for money over the phone, by mail or email
4. Scammers buy mailing lists, lists of phone numbers and email addresses
5. Someone will call you and tell you that you won a sweepstake prize and that you have to pay them taxes and fees –Do not pay! It’s a scam.
6. Be careful on dating websites. People will ask you for money, for an emergency, for tickets to visit, etc. Do not give them money! They are trying to steal your hard-earned money. 
7. Someone might come to your home and say your roof or chimney needs to repaired. Politely say no. If you want to have work done on your house you need to do a proper search for a licensed contractor. You can use a service like Angies List or check with your state or local government websites.
8. Be careful when someone approaches you to sell you insurance or wants to invest your money. Say no! You should search for insurance or investment services with a trusted relative or friend. If they come to you first they might be a scam artist. 
9. Here is a second excellent rule mentioned in the article: “Here’s another rule to follow: Always use trusted advisors — ones who come highly recommended by someone you know and in whom you have confidence. “
10. Don’t let someone rush you or overwhelm you with information, especially if they are trying to sell you something or get money from you.
11. While you are still in good health it is a good idea to designate someone you trust to help and advise you with your finances. You should do this with a lawyer.
12. AARP has a Fraud Fighter hotline (800-646-2283) if you need help or advice.