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It's not always easy
to spot con artists. They're smart, extremely persuasive, and aggressive.
They invade your home by telephone and mail, advertise in well-known
newspapers and magazines, and come to your door. . |
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Most people think
they're too smart to fall for a scam. But con artists rob all kinds
of people - from investment counselors and doctors to teenagers and
elderly widows - of crores of rupees every year. |
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Just remember...
if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. |
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- Report con games to the police, your city or state consumer
protection office, or a consumer advocacy group.
- Don't feel foolish. Reporting is vital. Very few frauds are
reported, which leaves the con artists free to rob other people
of their money - and their trust.
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Tips to stop credit
card fraud when buying online: |
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- Make sure your web-browser is set to the highest level of security
notification and monitoring. These options are not always automatically
activated when your computer is set-up, so check your manual or
the "Help" option.
- Check whether you are using a recent version of your web-browser
as they often include better security features - up-to-date versions
can be downloaded free from the Microsoft or Netscape websites.
- Before purchasing from a website, make a record of the retailer's
contact details, including the street address and landline phone
number. If these details are not available on the website, consider
going elsewhere to buy, do not rely on the e-mail address alone.
- Do not enter personal details unless
the security icon is displayed (this is a small padlock
that normally appears at the bottom of your browser when you begin
your transaction over the Internet). You can click on the padlock
to see if the retailer has an encryption certificate. This should
explain the type and extent of security and encryption it uses.
Only use companies that have an encryption certificate and use
secure transaction technology. The address of the page where you
enter personal details should also start with https://.
- If you have any queries or concerns, telephone the company before
giving them your card details to reassure yourself that it is
legitimate.
- Print out your order and consider keeping copies of the retailer's
terms and conditions and returns policy. Be aware that there may
well be additional charges such as postage and taxes. When buying
from overseas always err on the side of caution and remember that
it may be difficult to seek redress if problems arise.
- Check statements from your bank or card issuer carefully as
soon as you receive them. Raise any discrepancies with the retailer
concerned in the first instance. If you find any transaction on
your statement that you are certain you did not make, contact
your card issuer immediately.
- Ensure that you are fully aware of any payment commitments
you are entering into, including whether you are instructing a
single payment or a series of payments.
- Never disclose your card's PIN number to anyone, including people
claiming to be from your bank or the police, and never write it
down or send it over the Internet.
- If you have any doubts about using your card, find another
method of payment.
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- Don't buy health products or treatments that include: a promise
for a quick and dramatic cure. Quackery can delay an ill person
from getting timely treatment.
- Never give a caller your credit card, phone card, or bank account
number over the phone.
- Investigate before you invest. Never make an investment with
a stranger over the phone. Beware of promises that include the
terms "get rich quick," or "a once in a lifetime
opportunity."
- Look closely at offers that come in the mail. Con artists often
use official-looking forms and bold graphics to lure victims.
If you receive items in the mail that you did not order, you are
under no obligation to pay for them - throw them out, or return
them.
- Be suspicious of ads that promise quick cash working from your
home. After you have paid for the supplies or a how-to book to
get started, you often find there's no market for the product
and there's no way to get your money back.
- Beware of cheap home repair work that would otherwise be expensive,
regardless of the reason given. The con artist may just do part
of the work, use shoddy materials and untrained workers, or simply
take your deposit and never return.
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