Las Vegas NowScam Alert: Learn How to Protect Yourself
Eyewitness News This Morning is looking out for you and keep you from being victimized by scam artists.
Air Conditioning Scams - At the weather gets hotter, more air conditioning scam artists prey on desperate victims. You should always identify qualified contracts through the Nevada State Contractor's Board. Be sure to look for established companies, ask friends for a recommendation, ask for fixed prices before work begins and don't select a random company from the yellow pages.
ATM Scams - While using ATMs may be convenient, they could also put you at risk for scams. There are several scams that allow criminals to get access to your personal information and use your debit card. In some cases, fraudsters make counterfeit ATM cards and use skimmers to catch legitimate PIN numbers. Click here for more on ATM scams and what you can do to protect yourself.
Gift Card Scams - Buying gift cards from a grocery store can really help when you're on the run and need and easy gift for someone. But, beware that if you buy gift cards from the display rack, you may become a victim of theft. Scammers may be jotting down the card numbers in the store, then waiting a few days and call to see how much of a balance is on the card. Once they find the card is "activated", they go online and start shopping.Tip - To protect yourself, buy your cards directly from a customer service person, making sure they pull them from a secure spot behind the counter. Click here for more information.
Medical ID Theft - Medical identity theft happens when a fraudster uses a person's name and occasionally other parts of their identity -- such as insurance information -- without the person's knowledge.
Tip - Look for charges you did not receive and look for office visits you did not make. If you think you have been a victim, call the Nevada Consumer Affairs Division at (702)486-7355 or (775)688-1800.
Digital TV Transition Scams - On Feb. 17, 2009, all television stations are required to switch to digital broadcasting. As a result some scams have cropped up using similar names as the government's websites www.dtv2009.gov and www.dtv.gov. The non-government websites are attempts to sell consumers products they may not need. The federal government is distributing two free coupons valued at $40 each to help consumers with the switch. You can also visit Channel 8's digital guide. Click here for more information.
Pool Scams - If you are planning on have a pool built, there are some things you should keep in mind so that you don't get ripped off. First, make sure you are dealing with a licensed contractor with a good reputation. You can check with the Nevada State Contractors Board. Don't ever provide full payment up front. For more tips, click here.
Poetry Contest Alert - Many Americans dream of becoming published authors, and writing poetry is an attractive way to get started. The scam works like this:
Tip - The best way to avoid this scam is to not enter. Click here for more information.
Moving Companies - If you are planning to move, it's important that you do some homework before hiring movers to pack your belongings. Nevada Consumer Affairs says there are moving companies promising low rates but at a high cost. They say they have had complaints where workers will pack your home and then demand a higher amount. They advise consumers to beware of anyone charging by cubic feet, they are only allowed, by law to charge by weight. Click here for more information on moving scams.
Sweepstakes/Lottery - Lottery and sweepstakes scams have been around for years and even though they get a lot of attention, people still end up being victims. Nevada Consumer Affairs division says people keep falling for these types of scams that promise huge cash payouts even though most are not legitimate. The biggest red flag is when sweepstakes or lotteries ask you to send them money to get your money.
Tip - If you've won something, you've won it straight out and shouldn't have to pay for winnings. "There is no such thing as a free lunch and when someone sends you a sweepstakes and asks you to send money so forth to collect it or to pay the taxes and so forth, 99.9-percent of the time it's a scam," said James Campos, Consumer Affairs.
Campos says even if you don't fall for a lottery scam, call the Consumer Affairs to report it. Their number is (702)486-7355 or )775)688-1800.
Health Club - It's time to get in shape but how do you know what is the right gym for you? The smaller health clubs may be more personable but be sure to find out about their track record. The Nevada Consumer Affairs office says it sometimes gets complaints from people who make a hefty down payment at a health club only to have it go out of business a short while later.
Tip - It's important to go to a licensed and bonded gym because if the gym closes down you could get your money back. Click here for more scam alerts.
Auto Repair - Your vehicle needs an oil change and you take it to a local auto repair around the corner. You leave the vehicle. The business then informs you that not only does your vehicle needs an oil change, it also needs a new engine, and the repairs have begun without your authorization.
Tip - Always look for the posted DMV Garage Registration, Business License and the Bill of Rights before you deal with any garage or repair shop. Click here for automotive information and resources.
Travel - You book airfare, hotel accommodations and a cruise for the entire family with a travel agency to be taken three months later, you pay the travel agent and he informs you, you will receive the itinerary and tickets a month before the trip is to be taken. When you don't receive the itinerary you call the travel agency and leave messages. After no response, you go to the business only to discover that it had been vacated and you are unable to locate them.
Tip - All Sellers of Travel are required to register with the Nevada Consumer Affairs Division. All travel agencies must also post the signage for the Seller of Travel Recovery Fund in their place of business and/or on their websites. All consumers should verify that a travel agency is registered with the division prior to doing business with them. If the business is registered and they don't provide the services for which they were paid, the consumer can file a written complaint with the division in order to seek restitution. You may also check our website at for a list of registered agencies. Click here on tips to gear up for a great trip.
Work at Home - This work-at-home is the perfect job for you because you can stay home with the children and earn income. The company promises employment, training and materials. Your cost is $500.00 (your entire savings). Days and months go by and the company has not furnished anything that was agreed. You request a refund, a check was issued, however, the check came back "insufficient funds".
Tip - There are several fraudulent work-at-home schemes "call before you reach into your pocket" and find out where the business is located. Get the name of the owner as well as a physical address. If they refuse to provide that information, be suspicious. If you get the information, you can then check to verify licensing.
Employ a Contractor - Repairs and renovations are needed at your home. You contact a contractor that was referred by a friend. Pay $3,000.00 down payment for the work. The contractor stated he would return in a couple days with the supplies and to begin the work. When the contractor never returned and she was unable to contact him, she discovered he was not licensed and bonded.
Tip - Contractors are required to be licensed by the State of Nevada Contractors Board. Be sure to check that a contractor you are considering using has a current license. Call the Contractors Board at 702-486-1100 to verify the contractor's license number, and never pay for a complete job before the job is done. Get references. Click here to search contractor's licenses.
Credit Services - Beware of Credit Service Organization that make the claim that can repair your credit and remove bad debt information from your credit report. Credit Service Organization can only make payment arrangements with your debtors and assist you in writing a letter to report any erroneous information from your credit report to the appropriate credit reporting agency. Click here for more information on financial fraud resources.
Tip: Request a free credit report annually. Review your report and make sure it doesn't have inaccuracies. If it does, challenge it. For a fee you can also order a FICO report. Credit service organizations can only request payment arrangements with your debtors and assist in writing a letter to report any erroneous information from your credit report to the appropriate credit reporting agency. They can't fix your credit.
