I often think… if fraudsters put as much energy into innovation as they put into scamming hardworking people, how much easier and better life would be.
 
Fraud is ever-changing and ever-present. Last year, consumers reported losing more than $5.8 billion to fraud. More than 2.8 million consumers filed fraud reports.
 
Fraudsters always pretend to be someone they are not. Even medical scams are a growing category. The DC Government recently issued a warning to health professionals about a phone scam in which imposters ask for fees for licenses and registrations.
 
So, what can we do? We need to be wise to the characteristics of a scam. We need to be skeptical.

• If you are called from a “government agency” demanding money out of the blue – it is FRAUD
• If they tell you not to contact anyone – it is FRAUD
• If you are asked to send a payment but to keep it quiet – it is FRAUD
• If you are getting hard-pressure sales tactics demanding payment of a bill – it is FRAUD
• If you used an online/mobile person-to-person payment solution and then receive an email saying they overpaid you, and you need to return the excess amount – it is FRAUD
• If you are asked to make a payment using gift cards – it is FRAUD
• If you are called by someone saying a relative needs money immediately – it is FRAUD
• If you are confused by the call and doesn’t make sense – it is FRAUD

 
Fraudsters prey upon your busy schedule. They will empathize with you. They will use passive/aggressive techniques. What can you do?

• Tell them to put their request in writing and send it to you
• Ask them for their phone number, email, and address. Tell them you will call your banker or attorney and then get back to them
• Never provide personal information, address, Social Security number or account information. If they were legitimate – they’d have it
• Never wire money to someone you don’t know. It just doesn’t work that way

 
We are here to help you keep your finances safe and secure. If you think you are being victimized by a fraud, please call us at (703) 481-4567. We will do everything we can to help you avoid or resolve a fraudulent act.

 
 
 
Sincerely,

Abdul Hersiburane
President

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