How to Recognize a Scam

1. Consumer Affairs Branch
Fairfax County Department of
Cable and Consumer Services
fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

2.  Scam artists seek out people who are not
informed about fraud
 If you suspect you’re involved in a scam, be
alert and recognize the “red flags”

3.  AVAILABILITY
◦ Calls from telemarketers
◦ Fax advertisements
◦ Visits from door to door solicitors
◦ Emails offering services, gifts, products, or
opportunities
 MONEY
◦ Bank account
◦ Credit or debit cards
◦ Under a mattress
◦ Valuable property, such as a home with equity

4.  DECLINING HEALTH
◦ Unable to perform household repairs
◦ Suffer from ailments such as dementia or
Alzheimer's
 VULNERABILITY
◦ Spend hours talking to prospective victims to gain
their trust
◦ Initially ask for a small contribution
◦ Gradually ask for more and more money

5.  “Free gifts”
 “Act now, limited time only”
 “High profit, no risks”
 “Get rich quick investment”
 “Guaranteed price protected”
 “Increase your income”
 “Send fees to cover taxes”
 “This is your lucky day”
 “Verify your credit card number to claim your
prize”

6.  Written information or basic details about the
company
 A mailing address – they might give you a
post office box

7. The
TRUTH

8.  Start with a friendly, reassuring voice
 Make flattering comments
 Gifted at getting people to believe them
 Provide believable answers to tough
questions
 Ability to impersonate legitimate businesses,
charities and causes
 Expertly use your emotions against you
 Entertain and befriend you before asking for
money
 Make “too good to be true” claims

9. JUST SAY NO!

10.  Contact the Fairfax County Consumer Affairs
Branch for more information:
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 433
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
703-222-8435 TTY 711
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer
consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov