Bulkowski's Fraud Warning Signs

I received a brochure from the US postal service that I thought I'd pass on. It contained good advice about detecting the signs of fraud and some tips. Here's the list, courtesy of the USPS.

• Sounds too good to be true.
• Pressures you to act "right away!"
• Guarantees success.
• Promises unusually high returns.
• Requires an upfront investment, even for a "free" prize.
• Buyers want to overpay you for an item and have you send them the difference.
• Doesn't have the look of a real business.
• Something just doesn't feel right.
 
• Never click on a link inside an email to visit a web site. Instead, type the address into your browser.
• Verify an online company with the Better Business Bureau.
• Review statements, receipts and packing slips for accuracy.
• Shred confidential documents before trashing them.
• Your bank will never email or call you for your account number.
• Don't wire money to people you don't know.
• Be cautious of work-at-home job offers.
• There are no legitimate jobs that involve reshipping items or financial instruments from your home.
• Foreign lotteries are illegal in the U.S. You can't win no matter what they say.
• Check your monthly bank and credit card statements for charges you don't recognize.

-- Thomas Bulkowski