Be Suspicious If...

1) The company's name is the same as, or is similar to, a government agency or a well-known company.  Scammers will try to gain your trust quickly.

2) You must act on their offer right away or you will lose out.  Pressure tactics are common.

3) The caller acts like he or she has done business with you before.  You know they have not.

4) The company is unwilling to send you any written information or to give you any references.  They want you to act only on what they tell you. 

5) The caller asks for your credit card, calling card, or other number to verify your identification.  Never give personal information to someone who calls you or comes to your door.

6) Someone asks for your credit card, calling card, or other number to qualify you for a prize.  Never give personal information to someone who calls you or comes to your door.

7) A caller asks for your Social Security number so you can purchase products or qualify for prizes.  We can't say this too many times:  Never give personal information to someone who calls you or comes to your door.

8) You notice persons lingering nearby while you are making a call from a public or pay phone.  Scammers will try to spot calling card and other numbers of people using a phone.

9) Someone claims you have won a prize and you have not entered a contest.  Something for nothing is another common tactic.

10) You have to pay a fee before you can receive a prize or other "free" goods or services.  If it's free, then why are they asking for money...

     If you have any information about an unsolved crime, or know the location of a felony fugitive, call Henry County Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-227-2324 or 309-937-2324.  Your call will be confidential, and if it leads to an arrest you could receive a cash reward.