Keeping the Crooks Out of Your Wallet

Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim:

* Don’t discuss your finances with strangers.

* Don’t withdraw cash at the suggestion of someone you don’t know.

* Don’t accept that a person is official or legitimate without checking first.

* Don’t believe stories that sound too good to be true; invariably, they’re not.

* Don’t be embarrassed to report that you have been victimized.

* Do call the police if approached with any story similar to those described in this article.

* Do testify in court, if asked, to help stop this kind of crime.

* Do tell your friends and neighbors about such schemes.

If you are considering a work-at-home job, here are some questions to ask:

* What tasks will I be required to perform?

* Who will provide training?

* Who will review/accept my work?

* Who will pay me?

* How often will I be paid?

* When will I get my first paycheck?

* What will the work-at-home program cost me?

* How will I recover my costs?

Source: California Department of Consumer Affairs