Avoid financial crimes and scams

Finances

• Don't keep large amounts of cash on hand.
• Don't take money from your bank account just because someone tells you to.
• Never give out personal details such as your bank account number, Social Security number or credit card number to any person over the telephone
• Check your bank statement carefully each month. If you have a trusted adult child, consider asking your bank to send a duplicate copy of the statement to that child so that another pair of eyes can check that there is no suspicious activity on your account.
• Buy a shredder and shred all unused credit card applications.
• Ask your bank to call you if any check over a certain amount is ever presented to that branch for payment.
• Beware of family members persuading you to sign deeds or assets over to them.
• Keep your checkbook and spare checks in a safe place.

Scams

• If someone calls you, (e.g., a telemarketer), don't be afraid to hang up on them.Stay away from deals that sound "too good to be true".
• Beware of deals that ask for a lot of money up front and promise sure success.
• Do not agree to send money at the request of a telephone solicitor.