Joseph Russo - National Council for Financial Literacy Warns That Scams Are Increasing Nationwide
Joseph Russo advisory from National Council for Financial Literacy - warns about that scams and ID theft cases that are increasing. The FBI has received over 1 million complaints in the last three years. The Federal Trade commission has received over 350,000 complaints about ID Theft.
Charlotte, NC, June 28, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Joseph Russo advises that various agencies have issued warnings about the latest scams that are on the increase.
Some scams are even so bold as to represent that they are from the FBI itself and involve an inheritance or extortion schemes. Names of existing FBI executives are being used in these emails to establish credibility and being placed on “authentic” looking press releases.
“Mystery Shopping” scams have a new twist. An example is when the victim receives a check for $2,400. The “shopper/victim” is told they can go shopping at certain stores and then send the merchandise to the scammer as well as some of the money they were sent. The original check bounces – and the victim has been scammed out of the money they spent on merchandise and the money they returned back to the scammer.
Grandparents are being scammed when their “grandchild” calls asking for financial help. Sometimes the “grandchild” claims to be in jail or simply stranded in another country. Another twist is that the “grandchild” claims to have been in an accident. The confused Grandparent obliges by sending money, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars, by wire.
“Military wheels” is another scam involving people claiming to be U.S. Troops offering cheap cars. They claim that they are being sent overseas and have to sell their vehicle quickly. After sending the money, the car is never delivered or the victim gets a stolen vehicle or a vehicle with a bad title.
Consumers have to be aware that any long distance transactions should be suspicious. If you get any emails from law enforcement whether local or FBI – they are false. If you have any questions about any communication, call your local Police Department or Better Business Bureau.
ID Theft scams are on the rise as well – “Do Not give your personal information to anyone unless it is an absolutely necessary and a trusted source” warns Russo. Your social security, date of birth may be all a scammer needs to hack and steal your identity.
The Federal Trade Commission, FBI, US Postal Inspection Service, your local Attorney General’s Office are just some of the agencies that have information and jurisdiction over this type of illegal activity.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is also an excellent source of information about the various scams.
About The National Council for Financial Literacy
The mission of the National Council for Financial Education of Students and Consumers is:
to provide proactive, rather than reactive, financial education programs for students and consumers, through enhanced delivery strategies of financial content, with facilitators that are focused on topics that directly affect the ability of participants to function efficiently in basic daily financial situations.
The “Council” wishes to improve awareness of the pitfalls of poor money management and significantly improve the financial awareness in areas of daily financial stability, by concentrating on topics that concern basic daily financial survival. “Back to the Basics” of good money management.
More information about the National Council for Financial Literacy can be found at www.ConsumerFinancialFacts.org
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Some scams are even so bold as to represent that they are from the FBI itself and involve an inheritance or extortion schemes. Names of existing FBI executives are being used in these emails to establish credibility and being placed on “authentic” looking press releases.
“Mystery Shopping” scams have a new twist. An example is when the victim receives a check for $2,400. The “shopper/victim” is told they can go shopping at certain stores and then send the merchandise to the scammer as well as some of the money they were sent. The original check bounces – and the victim has been scammed out of the money they spent on merchandise and the money they returned back to the scammer.
Grandparents are being scammed when their “grandchild” calls asking for financial help. Sometimes the “grandchild” claims to be in jail or simply stranded in another country. Another twist is that the “grandchild” claims to have been in an accident. The confused Grandparent obliges by sending money, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars, by wire.
“Military wheels” is another scam involving people claiming to be U.S. Troops offering cheap cars. They claim that they are being sent overseas and have to sell their vehicle quickly. After sending the money, the car is never delivered or the victim gets a stolen vehicle or a vehicle with a bad title.
Consumers have to be aware that any long distance transactions should be suspicious. If you get any emails from law enforcement whether local or FBI – they are false. If you have any questions about any communication, call your local Police Department or Better Business Bureau.
ID Theft scams are on the rise as well – “Do Not give your personal information to anyone unless it is an absolutely necessary and a trusted source” warns Russo. Your social security, date of birth may be all a scammer needs to hack and steal your identity.
The Federal Trade Commission, FBI, US Postal Inspection Service, your local Attorney General’s Office are just some of the agencies that have information and jurisdiction over this type of illegal activity.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is also an excellent source of information about the various scams.
About The National Council for Financial Literacy
The mission of the National Council for Financial Education of Students and Consumers is:
to provide proactive, rather than reactive, financial education programs for students and consumers, through enhanced delivery strategies of financial content, with facilitators that are focused on topics that directly affect the ability of participants to function efficiently in basic daily financial situations.
The “Council” wishes to improve awareness of the pitfalls of poor money management and significantly improve the financial awareness in areas of daily financial stability, by concentrating on topics that concern basic daily financial survival. “Back to the Basics” of good money management.
More information about the National Council for Financial Literacy can be found at www.ConsumerFinancialFacts.org
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Contact
National Council for Financial Literacy
Joseph Russo
704 644 3180
www.ConsumerFinancialFacts.org
Joseph Russo
704 644 3180
www.ConsumerFinancialFacts.org
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