Awareness: Frauds, Cons, & Scams

Protect yourself and your assets from common fraud schemes. Anyone can fall victim to these traps that can often come by email or a phone call. 

Common Schemes

• Sweepstakes/lottery
• Home repair/improvement
• Subscriptions
• Government/bank impersonation
• Tech support

How to Protect Yourself

• Do not provide personal information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, or bank account information, by phone or email. 
• Be wary of unexpected offers of prizes and sweepstakes/lottery winnings, especially if you did not sign up for them.
• Be wary of product or service offers that are too good to be true, such as those promising unrealistic results or low prices.
• End the phone conversation or do not reply to an email if you become suspicious. 

What to Do if it Happens to You

• Report suspected scams and fraud to the Woodbury County Sheriff's Office
• Call the National Fraud Information Center at 1-800-876-7060.

Resources

• Fraud.org: Common Scams
• FBI: Common Frauds & Scams
• Office for Victims of Crimes: National Elder Fraud Hotline (833–FRAUD–11)