RALEIGH (AP) — North Carolina’s attorney general is spreading the word about common frauds and scams trying to take money from consumers.
Attorney General Roy Cooper said Wednesday his consumer protection division has compiled an updated guide to frauds and scams that are novel, as well as those that have been around for years. It covers telemarketing fraud, phony prizes, fake checks, money-making schemes and home repair rip-offs.
The top tip to avoid losing money to a scam is never giving your Social Security, credit card or bank account numbers to anyone who contacts you by phone or email.
Consumer protection officers say don’t pay anything up front to get a loan, collect a prize, settle a debt, repair your credit or stall foreclosure.
Other tips are available by going to http://www.ncdoj.gov.