How to Avoid Scams

The St. Peters Police Department receives a lot of calls from victims of fraud. There are many scams out there, and the best thing you can do is arm yourself with information that can help you avoid them. We’ve compiled information below bout how scams work and what you can do to protect yourself. We also have provided a number of links to more information. Please pass this information along to friends and family, especially seniors. Scam artists often try to target seniors. Some of the following scams described specifically target seniors.

Be suspicious if you hear any of the following lines from a solicitor:

  • You’ve won a prize or free gift.
  • You’ve been selected to receive a special offer.
  • You must act immediately or lose out.
  • You must pay for shipping your prize or free gift.
  • Give us your credit card number and expiration date to verify that you are a credit cardholder.
  • You’re asked to give personal information.
  • You’re asked to donate to an agency whose name sounds like a well-known charity.
  • You’re one of only a chosen few to receive this offer.
  • A courier will come to your home to get your payment.

Never trust a stranger who claims that he is going to give you something. Here are five other things you should never do:

  • Don’t reveal your financial information to someone who calls on the phone.
  • Don’t allow unsolicited strangers to come into your home.
  • Don’t believe that a stranger will use your money for a good purpose.
  • Don’t assign power of attorney to people you don’t know very well.
  • Don’t sign contracts that have any blank lines in them.