AP Passion at a String Blog

Recognizing And Avoiding Scams

Have you ever gotten an e-mail from someone claiming to be a distant relative who is badly hurt and needs money? Or have you met someone online who seems to be interested in you and would like to visit you, but they need you to send them money for a plane ticket? Or have you ever received a notice that you won a sweepstakes you can’t remember joining, and are told that you can only retrieve the prize money if you wire some money? If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you were trying to be conned by people who are involved in a Moneygram scam. A Moneygram scam is a form of consumer fraud. If you’re not careful, you may be a victim. To avoid being scammed, do not, for any reason, give money or personal information to anyone you don’t know. Also, keep in mind that a legitimate sweepstakes NEVER requires you to send money just to claim a prize. If you’re unsure, or if you feel you have been the victim of a scam, you can also contact the Better Business Bureau for more help.