How do I scam thee? Let’s count the ways

Wed., May 21, 2008

David Uffington King Features Syndicate

When money is short and times get tough, the number of financial scams increases. Don’t fall victim to these scams designed to take your cash … or your identity.

Law-enforcement scams: In this one a supposed member of law-enforcement calls and says that your identity has just been stolen, but they’ve nabbed the bad guys in the nick of time. You, however, are asked to provide personal identifying information to compare to what the bad guys had. What they really want is your Social Security number.

Credit repair: Not only are you asked to make a hefty prepayment for services, but you give them your Social Security number and all your personal information.

Home remodeling: With warm weather here, these scams are sure to be on the increase. If someone comes to your house and wants to repave your driveway, fix your roof, trim your trees … beware. Never hire anyone who just shows up at your door.

Utility cutoff: You get a phone call from the local power company, or so you think. The caller says your power is about to be cut off for nonpayment of your bill … unless you pay right away by giving out your bank information.

IRS rebate checks: If you don’t have your check yet and are expecting one, don’t fall for the scams that promise to get it for you faster. What they want is your personal information.

Loan fees: Beware lenders that require you to pay in advance for loans for mortgage refinance, debt consolidation or business. You may be told that the loan is “guaranteed” after you pay your advance fees, often in the form of a wire transfer to an overseas account.

Work at home: These scams have gone on for decades, and the scammers are the only ones making money. You’ll be asked to pay in advance for your supplies, and you won’t hear from them again.

Lottery: You’re told you’ve won something and need to send a “processing fee” before the funds can be distributed. You never receive anything.

To keep up with the latest scams, go to www.pueblo.gsa.gov and scroll down to click on Scams/Fraud. Be sure to look at Computers and see the National Consumers League Top Ten scams.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.