10 Con Artist Scams To Watch Out For

In order to figure out the top 10 con artist scams to watch out for a person has to keep a cautious eye open to the latest news and fraud warning signs. Do not expect every offer to be legit, there is such thing as fraud and con artist scams. From the mailbox, phone calls to even internet fraud, when the deal is too good to be true chances are it's false in every way, shape and form.

Since con artist scams take up a wide range of area this list can not stop at five. Below are the top 10 con artist scams to watch out for beginning with the items needed.

• Pen and Paper
• Phone Book

Steps

1. Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Scams. Dare we say it? It could happen to anyone, especially now. Gulf of Mexico oil spill scams exist.  From fake oil spill employment opportunities to donation requests. When in doubt, do without. False employment for a fee and fake donations have surfaced since April of 2010.  Use the phone book to find the phone number to local authorities, write down the number using the paper and pen then contact authorities.
2. Natural Disaster Scams. From earthquakes to hurricanes, both can come with con artists planning on shaking things up in order to gain financially. Only donate to well known organizations that check out first. Never purchase insurance unless checking out the company first, including contacting the Better Business Bureau for any hidden complaints. All companies should have a phone number and physical address.
3. Internet Scams. From email, links to pop-up ads, con artists use various tricks to reel in a new sucker. Remember, spy ware can offer a con artist more information than a person would ever give willingly. Only do business online with a familiar person or company.
4. Television Scams. For a couple of dollars a person can get hair treatment and a bonus, a rash. Meanwhile, the con artist is laughing all the way to the bank.  Television ad scams do exist. Be cautious when purchasing from a television ad.
5. Mail Fraud. If an unfamiliar mysterious questionnaire finds a way into the mailbox - throw it away.  If the mail states it's from the bank or credit card company it's best to check with bank or credit card company to give them the information they need instead of filling it out and sending it through the postal service for anyone else to find.
6. Phone Calls. Answering a phone comes easy but when someone is feeding you questions due to building an appetite in hopes of becoming full of personal information cut that call short.  It has happened before to many. A con artist gets hold of bank information or a credit card, they contact you and ask personal questions under false pretenses then has all the info they need to clean a you out. Simply never answer personal questions over the phone unless well aware of who is on the other end.
7. Door to Door. When someone asks for money suggesting it's for a good cause ask to see their identification card or credentials that proves they can legally canvas. Contact authorities if there is doubt surrounding their claims.  Never let anyone unfamiliar to you inside of your home.
8. Gas Scams. An unfamiliar person asks for gas money since their vehicle ran out - do you give it? That's a personal call.  Either say no or simply request to fill their car with your gas can.  They will either walk away disappointed or decline the offer since they have no car in the first place.
9. Damaged Merchandise. Before purchasing a vehicle have someone mechanically inclined to check out the vehicle prior to purchase to assure no signs of previous damages exist such as a vehicle that fell victim to past flooding issues. Have the person check the mechanical aspect of the vehicle prior to purchase. When it comes to other machines do the same, check out the mechanics before purchasing.
10. Investment Scams. There is only one true thing to consider when speaking of investments - make sure it's not a scheme. Do the homework and check out the investment thoroughly before investing.