Sloan's Lake Citizen's Group

TIP SHEET

Top 10 Ways to Prevent Fraud in 1999

This Fraud Alert comes to you from the office of the Denver District Attorney, Bill Ritter, DA. For more information, contact Lisa Curtis at 303-640-3570. The DA Fraud hotline number is 303-640-3557.

To protect yourself from con artists-strangers and trusted advisors alike, adopt the following 10 resolutions to prevent fraud in 1999.

1. Plan for your future by seeking the advice of an attorney on such matters as a will, durable power of attorney, medical power of attorney, living will, etc.

2. Don't make a major financial decision without getting at least two other opinions from a trusted fried, family member, attorney, banker of CPA. Beware of anyone suggesting you make financial changes to protect your money from Year 2000 losses.

3. Guard your social security, bank account and credit card numbers - never give them out to phone solicitors. Destroy credit card applications, credit card receipts and statements, and bank statements. Don't place checks for bill payments in your mailbox.

4. Don't pay entry fees, buy magazines or other products to participate in sweepstakes and contests. Federal law requires that no purchase is necessary to have the same chance of winning. Don't believe the big print that says you're the winner - the odds are against you. Lotteries promoted from other states or other countries are all illegal in Colorado.

5. Request written information before sending money to anyone that solicits by telephone. Don't believe you're dealing with a reputable company or charity until you get a report from the BBB (Better Business Bureau) 303-758-2100. Be wary of products and services to help you get through "Year 2000"

6. Get your name off lists by telling all telemarketers to put you on their "Do Not Call" lists. Tell the credit reporting agencies (Equifax: 1-800-219-1251, Experian: 1-800-353-0809, TransUnion: 1-800-680-7293) that you want to "opt out" of their mailing lists (the ones that generate all those credit card applications)

7. Hire only licensed and insured home repair contractors. Use a written contract and don't make a final payment until you are fully satisfied. Don't do business with door-to-door contractors offering bargains. Contact the police, sheriff or district attorney if suspicious contractors are in your neighborhood.

8. Be cautious of heating contractors who use scare tactics. Don't have your furnace removed without getting a second opinion.

9. Don't allow your water or gas "inspector" or "city employee" in your home until you've validated their identification by calling utility or city authorities.

10. Don't withdraw money from you bank account at the suggestion of a stranger, someone claiming to be a bank or law enforcement official, or from a "year 2000" expert using scare tactics about safety of your money.