Scams are rampant these days, with criminals stealing a reported $8.8 billion from Americans last year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. But there are ways to protect yourself, including staying up on the latest schemes and following the advice listed below.
1. Stop at the mailbox
Informed Delivery is a free service from the U.S. Postal Service. The agency emails photos of letter-size mail expected to be delivered to you that day or shortly after. This is a great way to be sure that nothing is stolen from your mailbox by ID thieves. Sign up at InformedDelivery.usps.com.
Pick up mail as quickly as possible after it’s delivered, and always take your outgoing mail directly to the post office. A hot fraud now is scammers stealing checks from mailboxes, erasing the ink and using them to steal from bank accounts.
2. Halt scammers at your front door
Consider installing a video camera; they are increasingly less expensive, and they’re easy to install. If you don’t recognize a visitor, don’t answer.
If you find yourself being pressured to buy or donate, have a refusal script ready (consider taping it near the door) that says, “I do not do business at my door. Please leave me something to review. If I’m interested, I’ll call you.”
Be wary of people posing as utility workers who show up unannounced. Don’t allow anyone into your house without an appointment.
3. Prevent garbage theft
Shred any papers that contain private information (financial statements, bills, shipping receipts) before putting them out for pickup to avoid identity theft. Don’t want to invest in a good cross-cut shredder? Many communities have shredding events or permanent drop-off sites. Get in the habit of dropping off your accumulated documents once every few months.
To read about 10 additional ways to protect yourself from fraud, from AARP, CLICK HERE.
