Con Games & Scams

Con artists are rarely violent. Once they have gained your “confidence,” they will use it to get your money. The following are signs that someone may be trying to scam you:

• They ask you to wire money or purchase a prepaid money card
• They pressure you to “act now!”
• They guarantee that you will make money
• They tell you to send money in advance to secure or ensure a loan or grant or ask for a large down payment. Or they request that you pay a fee to receive your “prize”
• They claim that you’ve won a contest that you have never entered nor heard of
• They request personal information or credit card number
• They refuse to provide written information or contact information
• They ask you to send money out of the country

Remember: If the offer is too good to be true, it probably is!

You should also be wary of phony charities. Before you donate, research the charity with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office by calling 800-282-0515 or visiting www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/charitablesearch to determine whether it is a legitimate organization.

Finally, be aware of some scammers that “phish” for your personal information by pretending to be a bank, government agency, of business. They will call and ask you to update or confirm your account number by submitting your bank account number, password, or Social Security number. NEVER respond to unexpected requests for personal information.