Beware of Scams (AZ. USA)

March 10, 2010

Attorney General Terry Goddard advised seniors to be aware of lottery and sweepstake scams that are currently on the rise in Arizona.  Taking protective measures helps to assure seniors are not victims

“With many scam artists taking aim at seniors, I want all Arizonans to be armed with the knowledge they need to stay safe and stop crimes before they happen,” Goddard said. “Prevention is always better than prosecution. The best defense against scams and frauds are seniors that spot the warning signs and stop those scams before they happen.”
The Attorney Generals Office wants you to be aware of some warning signs to protect yourself against these types of scams:

• ·         If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• ·         Be suspicious of any lottery or sweepstakes mail. Many times these mailings say to send a small amount of money to find out if they are a winner.  Most seniors who receive the calls from these scam artists initially responded to something that came to them in the mail.
• ·         Read the fine print.  Many of these letters will say you need to send money in order to acquire you winnings. 
• ·         Never pay money.  No legitimate lottery or sweepstakes company will ask you to pay money.
• ·         Never share your personal information, especially not your social security number, bank account, or credit card number.

·         Alert Authorities. If you have become a victim, don’t be afraid or ashamed to report it.  It’s your civic duty to make sure others don’t become victims to the same scams.

Scam Alerts.  Sign up for the Attorney Generals Scam Alerts at www.azag.gov/feed/scams.  These alerts allow you to stay ahead of the rapidly changing consumer scams and schemes.
The Senior Anti-Crime University is also part of the Attorney General’s Senior Sleuths project.  Senior Sleuths is a volunteer program to help Arizona seniors protect themselves and prevent others from becoming victims of fraud and abuse.
Senior Anti-Crime University will be in  Sierra Vista  at Cochise College,  901 N. Columbo  Avenue, from 1 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 18.

SOURCE:    The Douglas Dispatch
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