It’s that time of year…..

You know the time that thieves are out trying to scam you for your hard earned money……… These days you have to be extremely careful about keeping your personal information, well personal. Whether it’s social security calling or maybe you’ve received calls from the IRS, individuals are out there trying to trick you into paying them money. Just remember, most government services like the IRS (Treasury Department) and Social Security do not just out of the blue call you.

Normally, you will have some other contact with a representative prior to a phone call. For example, maybe you make a trip to the local agency, get a claim/resolution/project number and assigned to a local person, then, just MAYBE you could expect a call. Most of these agencies like to have conversations in writing rather than over the phone, just so they have a record of the conversation. Just keep in mind, if someone calls and is asking for private information, just hang up and you make the call directly to the agency and inquire about the problem. Many times you will find there is no problem.

You have to be extremely careful because these days the fraudsters have the ability to call you, sometimes from a foreign country, but the caller ID on your phone shows the actual agency number. Yes, they are that good! Just again, be careful when answering the phone. DO NOT give information to anyone that you do not know, that you can not verify.

Some of the fraudsters have been known to act like long lost relatives that need money. Again, do not be fooled. If you haven’t spoken with nephew George in 20 years, it’s probably not him on the phone! It’s a good idea to have a secret family password in the event something unusual does happen to nephew George, if he’s able to provide the passcode then you know for a fact that it is him.

The reverse is also true. If you get an e-mail staying that you can help someone to get an inheritance of $20,000 if you send them $1,000 and then cash the $20,000 check you will receive in the mail. Know that after sending the $1,000 you may in fact receive a check in the mail, but if you go to cash that check, expect to be put in jail for money laundering/fraud. You all know the saying… if it sounds too good to be true it probably is….

Many of us are willing and able to help those in need and support local charities and such. It makes us feel good when we are helping others. Just be careful as some charities are taking in way more for administrative fees than they are giving of your dollar to help people. Seek out charities that do what they say and actually help others. After all, you want your money to go to support, not administrative fees.

So…. now that everyone has been warned, carry on with 2020 and make it the best year yet!