Protecting Yourself from FraudHosted By: Rep. Harry Lewis, Jr.Panel: Ameer Blackmon, Attorney General’s OfficeChief Joseph Elias, Caln Township Police DepartmentAlex Gosfield, Chester County District Attorney’s Office

Charitable Contributions

• Call the Department of State to Check Registry

• Do Not Give $$ over the Phone

• Ask the Caller for the Financial Statement

• Do NOT call List

Estate Planning

• Never Buy Now- Consult with a Financial Planner; Attorney; Family Member

• Do Not Meet with Strangers in Your Home

• Do Not Believe that a Will/Probate is Too Expensive

• 3 Day Period to Rescind

Home Improvements

• Home Improvement and Consumer Protection Act

• Always Get a Contract

• Ask for References and Check Them Before Purchasing

• Many Municipalities Require a Peddler’s License

Power of Attorney/Breach of Trust

• Exceeding the Powers Granted in the Power of Attorney

• Powers of Attorney Must Be in Writing

• How to Protect Yourself with Breaches

Sweepstakes

• U.S. Citizens Are Ineligible to Win International Sweepstakes

• These Scams Often Involve Emails, Constant Phone Calls, Wiring Money

Checks and Money Orders

• Overpayment Checks

• Bad Checks

• Sweepstake Checks

Account Verification

• Do Not Give Out Personal Information

• Contact Your Bank or Credit Company

Cryptowall/Cryptotech

• Computer Virus

• Holds Computer Hostage Unless You Pay $ to the Person(s) who Infected Your Computer

What To Do if You Are a Victim?

• Opt Out/Do Not Call List

• Elder Abuse Hotline

• Contact the FTC, Contact the Credit Reporting Companies

• File Police Report

• Close Out Accounts

• Create All New Passwords for Accounts

Consumer Reporting Agencies

Equifax, 1-800-685-1111

Fraud Hotline: 1-888-766-0008

Experian, 1-888-397-3742

Fraud Hotline: 1-888-397-3742

TransUnion, 1-800-916-8800

Fraud Hotline: 1-800-680-7289