Scam Baiting Tips

Protect you from Nigerian scams Almost everyone will be approached by a scammer. Some scams are very easy to spot while other scams may appear to be genuine offers. You may send money to someone based on a promise that turns out to be scam and also may give your personal details to people who turn out to be scammers.

• Always get independent financial advice.
• Do not open suspicious or unsolicited emails.
• Never send your personal, credit card or online account details through an email.

The simple tips below will help to protect you against scams.

Tips to Avoid Telemarketing Fraud:

If you’ve been cheated over the phone, it’s very tricky to get your money back. Here are some tips to avoid telemarketing fraud.

• Don't buy from an unknown company.
• Always inquire for and wait until you receive written material about any charity. If you get unsolicited mail about costly investments, ask an important person whose financial advice you trust to review them. But also beware not the whole thing written down is true.
• Get a salesperson's name, telephone number, street address, business identity, mailing address, and business license number before you transact business.
• Before you send money to a charity, find out what proportion of the money is paid in commissions and what percentage actually goes to the charity.
• Always take your own time making a decision.
• Don't pay for a "free of charge prize." If a company tells you the payment is for taxes, they violating federal law.

Tips to Avoid Identity Theft:

You can’t prevent Identity Theft completely. But you can minimize it by following some tips

• Make sure websites are secure prior to submitting your credit card number.
• Never offer your credit card number over the telephone unless you make the call.
• Beware of scams requiring you to provide your individual information.
• If you know of anyone who receives mail from credit card companies, report it immediately to federal law enforcement authorities.

Tips to Avoid 419 Frauds:

419 scam (Nigerian frauds) offer the recipient the opportunity to share in a percentage of millions of dollars and trying to transfer the money illegally. Here are some few hints

• If you receive a email or letter from Nigeria asking you to send banking information, don’t reply in any matter. Send the letter to your office, immediately.
• Be cautious of persons representing themselves as foreign government officials.
• Be wary when additional fees are requested for further transaction.
• Protect your account information cautiously.

Tips to Avoid Investment Frauds:

It occurs when the victim pays money to someone in anticipation of receiving something of greater value, such as a loan, contract, and investment and then receives little or nothing in return.

• If the offer of an "opportunity" appears too good to be true, it probably is.
• Make sure you fully know any business agreement that you enter into.
• Investigate the parties involved and the nature of the investment.
• Be cautious when responding to investment offers received through unwanted email.
• Contact the Better Business Bureau to determine the legality of the company.