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Scams That Bloom in Spring

Scams bloom in Spring

Spring has arrived, and con artists use this time of year to give new life to common scams.

Tax-Related Scams: Tax season brings fake emails from scammers pretending to be the IRS. They might claim to have important updates regarding your refund, but they’re really attempting to get your personal information. Some emails might even unleash malware on your computer if you click a link or download an attachment. Your best defense is to delete—without opening—any unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS, and to contact the IRS directly should you have any questions about your tax filing.

Door-to-Door Solicitations: The warmer weather brings out scammers who attempt to get your credit card or bank account numbers by showing up at your door unannounced with a product for sale or a fundraising opportunity. Once the scammer has your payment information, you may find a number of exorbitant or unexpected charges down the road. Unless you recognize the person, be very careful about opening your door, and never provide your payment information to a stranger who comes knocking.

Fake Home Repairs: These scammers come into town and cruise your neighborhood’s streets, offering unbelievably good deals to clean your gutters, repair your roof or put a new layer of asphalt on your driveway. They’ll want your money up front to buy supplies, but then disappear without completing the work. Remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you are serious about having work done, get recommendations from friends, neighbors or another trusted source, and check out the company through a third-party organization, like the Better Business Bureau.

Prevent Financial Elder Abuse! Call us Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Our trained specialists are here to listen and provide assistance. Recognize, Refuse, Report.

[Photo courtesy by  Sameer0406/Flickr]

 

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