Common scams and how to avoid them

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel today released this consumer alert to make consumers aware of some of the most common scams and to direct them to GotYourBackArkansas.org for more information.

“Consumers can go to the new website to get information or to file a complaint,” McDaniel said. “I want as many people as possible to know about this valuable new resource. And I want them to call upon my office when they need help with a consumer issue.”

McDaniel's Consumer Protection Division received 7,362 consumer complaints in 2011, including complaints from all 75 counties. Resolving those complaints put $1.6 million back into the hands of consumers.

Since McDaniel became Attorney General, the office has recovered a total of $8.5 million for consumers.

Consumers conduct business transactions every day. We buy cars, shop at clothing stores, use our cell phones, and pay medical bills. These transactions, more often than not, take place with legitimate businesses and without problems.

Pure scam artists are a different story. They connive and swindle consumers to make a quick profit. They sell fake products and services or promise millions of dollars for only a small investment of time or money. Consumers must be vigilant and cautious when presented with an offer that sounds too good to be true.

COMMON SCAMS

International Lottery Scam

Mystery Shopper Scam

" Favorite Grandchild” Scam

Work-At-Home Scam

Counterfeit Check Scam

Nigerian Advance Fee Loan Scam

Internet Auction Fraud

Charity Scams

HOW TO AVOID SCAMS

Wiring money is like giving cash away. If you wire money, there is no protection for you if you later learn that the recipient is not who they claimed to be.

Never give out personal or banking information in response to a phone, email or mail inquiry. Contact the entity requesting the information directly through a different method to verify that it is a reputable company with which you have an existing relationship.

Never send money to someone who you don’t know and haven’t met in person.

When purchasing items or services online, make sure you research the seller and know their physical location.

If you are giving to charity, especially in the wake of a natural disaster, give to an organization that has a strong history in providing relief. Instead of paying in cash, make a check or money order payable to the charitable organization, not an individual.

Most importantly, if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Investigate the offer before accepting or paying any money.

When it comes to protecting you from scams, We’ve got you back, Arkansas.

For more information about consumer-related issues, or to file a complaint, visit GotYourBackArkansas.org or call the Consumer Protection Division’s hotline at (800) 482-8982.