Scam and fraud artists benefit from the hectic pace of our everyday lives. They count on the fact that many of us are too busy to pay close attention to the details of our financial lives. By being aware of the common types of fraud, you can take appropriate steps to safeguard yourself and your family.

What are some of the most common types of fraud today?

• Phishing - a scam that uses an e-mail message to trick you into revealing your personal information. These scam artists may ask you to "confirm" your Social Security Number, an account number, your password, etc.  More
  



• Social Engineering/Pretexting/Vishing - a scam artist uses a process called "social engineering" to gather your personal information by phone or in person. More




• Nigerian EMail Scam/Mail Fraud - a scam in which you receive an email or a letter informing you that you have won something like the Irish Sweepstakes, you have been names as a heir to a fortune of a long-lost cousin in England, or you have been chosen to help a foreign dignitary transfer money - usually for a charitable purpose - through an American bank and you, in turn, will receive a share of the proceeds.  More