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Scam
Tips
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| The Houlton
Police Department offers the following recommendations
to assist citizens against scams designed to steal
your money.
Protect yourself
– don’t give your credit card number to an unsolicited
telemarketer and check out any deal before parting
with your hard-earned money.
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Ask
Questions
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| Where did you get my name? |
| Can you send me written materials to back
up your claims? |
| Explain all the risks involved in this investment. |
| Would you be willing to explain your proposal
to my attorney, accountant or banker? |
| What governmental agency supervises your
activity? |
| How long has your company been in business? |
| How much of my money will go for fees and
commissions? |
| Where will my money be held, exactly? |
| What type of written statements do your provide,
and how often will I receive them? |
| Who are the principals of your firm? Can
you provide references for them? |
Swindlers
may lie while answering these questions, but most
likely they’ll simply hang up in disgust because
you are not an easy target.
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Don't
Get Taken
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| Don’t let "greed" overcome common sense. |
| If it sounds too good to be true, it probably
is. |
| Get a second opinion. |
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Never
reveal your "vital numbers" – credit card,
phone card, Social Security, bank account
or personal identification numbers (PIN) –
to verify a contest prize, to become eligible
for a low-cost vacation or for any other fabulous
offers.
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Be
Wary
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| High-pressure sales. |
| Demands for cash only. |
| Need for quick decisions. |
| Secret deals. |
| No-risk, high-yield investments. |
| Delayed delivery. |
| Dialing telephone numbers that will result
in charges to your phone bill. Remember
that 800 numbers are free; 900 numbers are not. |
If you
feel you have been the victim of a scam or have
additional questions, please contact the Police
Department at 532-2287 for more information.
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