Scams and con men know an easy “mark” when they see one. Don’t be that guy.
- Fear is a liar. Neither the IRS nor the Sheriff’s Department will call and demand money over the phone to prevent an arrest. Not for back taxes. Not for supposedly missing jury duty. If it’s makes you feel afraid, hang up. There are no debtors’ prisons in America.
- If it’s secret, walk away. The cashier’s check scam is a good example. A fellow says he will give you a check. Put it in your account. When it clears, split the money with him. But don’t tell anyone. The check will clear initially. You give him the money. But it’s all fake. Your bank will take back the cash in a couple weeks. That’s why he said not to tell anyone.
- Thinking long is not thinking wrong. Bad decisions are almost always made in a hurry. Pray about it. Seek counsel from others. Google it. No hurries, less worries.
- Verify, then trust. Is all your information on this issue coming from the one who profits by convincing you? Talk to others. Slow down. There are empty timeshare developments all over where the promised pools, docks, club houses and even roads have never been completed and never will be.
- If it’s too good to be true, it’s not true. The Nigerian Prince scam is still around because it still works. It’s amazing really. It is so effective they purposefully misspell words to lessens its appeal and to only focus on the more gullible. A simple Google search would eviscerate the scam.
One of the worse things about scams is that you get placed on “sucker lists” if you fall for one. If you suspect that’s true, you will have to be ever more vigilant. Remember, never give personal information over the phone to a caller. Your credit card company knows your card number.
Remember to “… be as wise as serpents but harmless as doves,” Matthew 10:16.
DAVID PEEL seeks justice for those injured in tractor trailer and car accidents, medical malpractic, and disability. He often addresses churches, clubs and groups without charge. Access his archived columns or contact him through PeelLawFirm.com.
