How Can You Spot A Telephone or Email Fraud and What You Should Do

You don't have to have mortgage problems to get fraudulent phone calls or emails. Whoever is on the other end wants something from you, usually your money, your identity, or your home, and they will stop at nothing to do it.

Many of them start their fraud in one of two ways, by phone or by email. No matter how to try to get to you, they use similar tricks. If you can learn to spot them, you can avoid getting burned.

- They are in a hurry: Fast talkers who use high pressure tactics could be hiding something. The same can be true for any email that tells you to ACT NOW!!! Take your time. Most legitimate businesses will give you time and written information about an offer before asking you to commit to a purchase.

- Paying for Free Stuff: If someone asks you to pay in order to get a gift, prize, or other benefit, watch out and hold on to your wallet. Free is free. If you have to pay, it’s a purchase – not a prize or a gift.

- Asking for Sensitive Information: Some callers have your billing information before they call you. They’re trying to get you to say “okay” so they can claim you approved the charge. Or, they’re trying to learn your account number. Don’t give it out unless you know who you are talking to and what you are buying. The same for an email that asks you to confirm your account by following a link in your email. Don't fall for it. If the company is calling you, and wants information from you, contact them yourself to confirm what they are saying.

- Wants You to Send Sensitive Information by Email: Would you put your bank account number, passport number, address, phone number, passwords, or Social Security number on a postcard and mail it to a total stranger? I didn't think so. Email is like an electronic postcard. Every computer system that touches it can read it. If you have to send sensitive information to anyone, make sure you are sending it to the right place.

- Asking for Too Much Information: If the person or the company is asking for something that they don't need or never got from you before, its probably a fraud.

- You Don't Know These People: If a bank you don't know emails you and says you have a problem with your account, its probably a fraud. If someone you don't know calls and asks you if you want to confirm your order or wants information, don't do it.

- It Doesn't Feel Right: If something about the email or phone call doesn't feel right, its probably a good idea to hang up or hit the delete key.