Prevent becoming a victim of mail fraud.
Mail fraud occurs when someone attempts to get money or something of value from you by making false statements and claims through the mail. In a court of law there must be proof that the claims were misrepresented on purpose and that the U.S. Mail was used to accomplish this. Shady businesses that advertise worthless products, medical quackery and get rich quick deals through the mail cheat unsuspecting people. These unscrupulous businesses have no problem with taking advantage of the unwary public. There are things to be aware of to prevent becoming a victim of mail fraud.
Instructions
1. Do not give out your personal information if a prize letter tells you to call and claim a prize that you have won. In mail fraud, the scam artist may try to get your social security number, bank account number or credit card number, reports the U.S. Postal Service, telling you that this is necessary to get the prize money to you. They will attempt to make thousands of dollars in charges to your credit card before you place a hold on the card.
2. Give only to charities that you know. If you have never heard of the charity that sends you a request for a donation, check it out with the Better Business Bureau before sending any money. Sometimes phony charities use names very similar to legitimate charities. There are swindlers that will try to take advantage of your good intentions.
3. Question any mail that you receive offering medicine that gives you a miracle cure. The notice may offer you an instant cure for arthritis or a lotion that will make you look years younger. Before sending these companies your credit card information or placing any order, consult you family doctor. Protect your money by being informed.
4. Check the references of home improvement companies that send advertisements in the mail. Brochures with offers to do an expensive job for an unusually low price should always raise a red flag. Contact the Better Business Bureau to check the companies' reputation. Read any contract before you sign and understand exactly what you will receive for your payment.
5. Question any ad that you receive in the mail claiming you can earn an unusually large amount of money working from home. The ad asks you to send money for a work at home package that enables you to make loads of money. The most common type of this mail fraud is envelope stuffing. There are no envelopes to stuff, only directions on placing the same type ad to deceive others and make money. This is mail fraud.
