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ScamAnalysis Course:
- History of Scams
- Who Scams Us?
- Getting the Facts
- Google Me This!
- Weighing the Facts
Truth or Scam?
- Free Websites
- Auction Sites
- Photo Tickets
- Online Surveys
Identity Theft:
- Protection
- Free Credit Reports
- Credit Monitoring
Foreclosure Assistance
ScamAnalysis Service
Finding Legitimate Programs
Contact Us
ALERTS...
- Fake Debt Collector
- Free Trial Offers
- Faux News Reports
- Photo Tickets
- Contests and Lottery
- Credit & Loan Scams
- Credit Card Protection
- Tax Scams
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Stay a Step Ahead of the Scammers! Scam artists have been around since money was invented! There's always someone who wants to take advantage from others... Our purpose is to protect you from these unscrupulous people. Please use the resources we've made available to you here so you don't become the next scam victim:
We update the site several times each week, so please come back often to stay up to date with the latest scams. One of the best tools to avoid being scammed is to stay advised. Thank you for visiting! Your ScamAnalysis Team QUICK LIST - SCAMS AND IDENTITY THEFT... FREE Websites Really? Free? Actually, yes! Weebly.com offers a fairly simple to use online website design module and hosts the site for free. ... read more Amazing Deals at Auction Sites: Proceed with CAUTION! Yes, you really can get some incredible deals at some auction sites. But it isn't necessarily easy. We've seen many sites get reported by people as scams, but having tried some of them ourselves, we learned it is really a matter of STUDYING the instructions at the legitimate auction sites and PUTTING THEIR SUGGESTIONS INTO PRACTICE. ...read more Photo Tickets, Red Light Tickets, Snitch Tickets... My husband was driving a car that was registered in my name. Apparently, he made a right turn on red without coming to a full stop. I received a notice stating I was required to provide the driver license number, name and address of the person who had been driving my car. ...read more Make Lots of Money - Online Surveys... You've seen the emails and ads - 'Earn $5,000 a month filling out surveys!'. Sound too good to be true? It is... One of our team members spent considerable time over a period of six months trying out a number of these programs. Here's what she learned... read more
Identity Theft Protection Services -- What will they do for you? There is a wide variety of Identity Theft Protection services available. Here are some of the components of an Identity Theft Protection packages:
...read more FREE Credit Reports ... Do I Need Them? How Do I Get Them? WHY do you need your free credit reports?
How Do I Correct Errors in my Credit Report? You will need to contact the credit reporting company - in writing- to explain what information you believe is incorrect. ...read more Credit Monitoring... Who Should Monitor Their Credit? Everyone! If you have a good or excellent credit rating, of course you want to protect it. Even if your credit rating is low right now, you don't want it to get even worse. Credit monitoring is an important tool to protect against identity theft and to watch for errors made in reporting legitimate transactions. ...read more |
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FREE Websites
Really? Free? Actually, yes! Weebly.com offers a fairly simple to use online website design module and hosts the site for free. You don't even have to register a domain name. Please note - if you're looking for something more than a very simply site, or need any 'extras', you'll need to upgrade to the paid version. Even the paid version is very reasonably priced, however. Last time we checked, it was just over $25 for six months. BE AWARE: If you are planning to add Google ads to your site to generate income, Weebly.com will take HALF of your income from them!
In this case, a better choice would be GoDaddy.com. They offer their website design module, registration, hosting, etc. for very reasonable prices and do not take any of your Google Ad income. We have a team member with 15 years experience with GoDaddy.com who highly recommends them.
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Amazing Deals at Auction Sites: Proceed with CAUTION!
Yes, you really can get some incredible deals at some auction sites. But it isn't necessarily easy. We've seen many sites get reported by people as scams, but having tried some of them ourselves, we learned it is really a matter of STUDYING the instructions at the legitimate auction sites and PUTTING THEIR SUGGESTIONS INTO PRACTICE.
During our test, we managed to get $300 worth of gift cards for around $150. We also witnessed a number of people walking away with some pretty incredible deals. Our investigator spent over two hours studying the instructions on the site and watching auctions before placing the first bid.
The auctions themselves can actually be somewhat time-consuming, but, if you have the time, it may be worth it! (The site we tested most extensively was QUIBIDS.com.) Be careful, this can be addicting!
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Photo Tickets, Red Light Tickets, Snitch Tickets...
Here's an experienced that a member of our own team had with a Photo Ticket...
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There is a wonderful website fully dedicated to identifying and dealing with this type of deception. Please visit HighwayRobbery.net to learn more.
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Make Lots of Money - Online Surveys...
You've seen the emails and ads - 'Earn $5,000 a month filling out surveys!' Sound too good to be true? It is.
One of our team members spent considerable time over a period of six months trying out a number of these programs. Here's what she learned:
NEVER pay to fill out surveys. Some programs expect you to pay $29.95 (or so) to sign up for their service, which they say is to provide you with access to companies looking for survey-takers. They collect your money and you may well never earn a penny.
The 'FREE' survey sights make their money from advertising and affiliating. You don't make any money - to speak of. Here's how most of them work...
You fill out a survey so they can figure out which surveys you qualify for. This can take up to 30 minutes and you are required to provide a boatload of personal information. You are congratulated for completing it and informed you will be notified when a survey you are eligible for becomes available.
Once you receive a notification, you have to take another survey to see if you really do qualify for this survey. Again, a good deal of personal information is collected from you and often, you will get a message saying you don't qualify for the survey. You just spent 10-20 minutes taking a survey so you can be told you don't qualify to take a survey. Arghh! Meanwhile, one can't help but wonder what they're doing with all this personal information they just gathered from you.
Over a period of six months, I made approximately 45 cents per hour. I can think of at least a million other better uses for my time!
If you are simply looking for a way to pass some time, you might enjoy survey-taking as a hobby. There are some programs that are free to join and offer points that you can exchange for merchandise.
But please - don't expect to make a living filling out these surveys!
Editor's Note: Paid surveys are not to be confused with the pop-up survey requests you may see when you visit various websites. They promise nothing in return for completing the survey except the knowledge that you are helping the company learn more about the market and potential customers.
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Identity Theft...
Identity theft is increasing at a frightening rate. If you or someone you know has had their identity stolen, you have some idea what a nightmare it can be to recover from. Therefore, it is important to know how to avoid becoming a victim of this crime.
Here are some general tips:
- Protect your ‘identifying’ information including your Social Security number, Driver’s License number, passport, student I.D., etc.
- Shred mail and other documents containing this type of information.
- Don't use unsecured wireless networks.
- Don’t store identifying information on your phone or computer.
- Use complex passwords that do NOT contain your birth date.
- Do NOT allow your computer or phone to ‘remember’ passwords.
- Don’t carry your Social Security card in your purse or wallet.
- NEVER provide any personal information, ID’s or passwords to anyone via the internet or by phone without first confirming who will receive it.
- Monitor your credit with a company that provides email alerts whenever there is a change in your credit score or report.
- Don’t download software to your computer or phone unless it is from a known, trusted source.
- If you get an email from your bank, Paypal or other financial institution instructing you to click on a link in the email and log in to your account – don’t do it! Open a browser window and go directly to the institution’s website to log in. Don’t do it from a link in an email!
If Your Identity Has Already Been Stolen…
Contact one of the three main credit reporting companies and tell them you need a fraud alert put on your credit report. (Whichever one you contact will contact the other two for you.) This fraud alert will remain on your account for 90 days or more. This will make it harder for someone to open an account using your I.D.
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
- TransUnion 1-800-680-7289
After you create a fraud alert, you are entitled to one free credit report from each credit reporting company. Be sure to order these reports and review them carefully. You may need to contact the fraud department of each entity that the identity thief opened an account with and instruct them to close the account and resolve any open issues.
Create an Identity Theft Report with the FTC. You can call them at 1-877-438-4338 or file online at http://ftc.gov/idtheft . When you file, you be sure to obtain or print a copy of the affidavit. Take the affidavit to your local police report and file a report. Get a copy of the police report for your records. You will need to send copies of the affidavit and the police report to any companies that have set up accounts in your name based on the actions of the identity thief.
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Protection...It Starts With You!
We'll talk about Identity Theft Protection Services in a moment. But first, we just can't say this enough... Identity Protection starts with you! Here are some tips for avoiding becoming a victim of identity theft::
- Protect your ‘identifying’ information including your Social Security number, Driver’s License number, passport, student I.D., etc.
- Shred mail and other documents containing this type of information.
- Don't use unsecured wireless networks.
- Don’t store identifying information on your phone or computer.
- Use complex passwords that do NOT contain your birth date.
- Do NOT allow your computer or phone to ‘remember’ passwords.
- Don’t carry your Social Security card in your purse or wallet.
- NEVER provide any personal information, ID’s or passwords to anyone via the internet or by phone without first confirming who will receive it.
- Monitor your credit with a company that provides email alerts whenever there is a change in your credit score or report.
- Don’t download software to your computer or phone unless it is from a known, trusted source.
- If you get an email from your bank, Paypal or other financial institution instructing you to click on a link in the email and log in to your account – don’t do it! Open a browser window and go directly to the institution’s website to log in. Don’t do it from a link in an email!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Identity Theft Protection Services -- What will they do for you?
There is a wide variety of Identity Theft Protection services available. Here are some of the components of an Identity Theft Protection packages:
- Online Privacy - Protection when shopping or banking online.
- Lost Wallet Assistance - Assistance in preventing unauthorized use of stolen cards.
- Recovery Services - Assistance in recovering losses.
- Credit Monitoring - Access to reports and/or alerts regarding suspicious activity relating to your credit.
- Online Monitoring - Searching illegal websites for illegal use of your identity.
- Identity Theft Insurance - Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses and lost wages related to theft of your identity.
Identity Theft Protection packages include some or all of the services noted above. Since the prices charged by these services are quite competitive, it is recommended that you select one with all of the services.
Can I Afford Identity Theft Protection Services?
How much do you think they cost? There are some very good programs that include all of the services listed above for as little as $12.95 per month. When you think about how much it will cost you in time and aggravation, not to mention the potential damage to your credit rating, can you afford not to have Identity Theft Protection Services?
Let's put it this way... everyone on the ScamAnalysis Team is enrolled in one service or another!
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------FREE Credit Reports ...
Do I Need Them?
How Do I Get Them?
First thiings first... WHY do you need your free credit reports?
- To make sure the information is accurate and up-to-date. Inaccuracies or incomplete information can affect your ability to get a mortgage, a loan or other credit. It can also have an affect on the interest rate you are charged for credit.
- To make sure no one has stolen your personal identification information and fraudently opened credit accounts in your name.
Are the Reports really free?
Yes! The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) enforces the Fair Credit Reporting Act which requires each of the U.S. nationwide consumer reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, if you request it, once every twelve months.
How Do I Get These Free Reports?
CAUTION: There are scammers who would love to trick you into going to them for your free reports so they can 'bait and switch' you into paying them fees for 'add-on' services, or worse yet - gather your personal information and use or disseminate it without your permission.
These sites are not to be confused with those who are very clear that you can get your reports from AnnualCreditReport.com, but that they are offering additional, valuable services like credit monitoring and you will be charged for them.
The ONLY website authorized to provide the free annual credit report you are legally entitled to is http://www.annualcreditreport.com . You will be able to access your report(s) immediately online.
You can also request your report(s) by mailing a free credit report request form to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
You will need to go to http://www.ftc.gov/credit to get the form. You should expect to receive your report within 15 days of receipt, unless additional information is requested to verify your identity.
Lastly, you can order your report(s) by phone: 1-877-322-8228. You should receive your report(s) within 15 days, unless additional information is requested to verify your identity.
What Information Do I Need to Give Them About Myself in Order to get My Reports?
You will be asked for your name, Social Security number, date of birth and addreess. You may also be asked for some information that only you would know, like what your monthly mortgage payment or car payments are.
WARNING: If anyone requests this information from you in an email, by calling you on the telephone or in a pop-up ad DO NOT RESPOND! It is most likely a scam. Forward any suspicious emails asking for this kind of information to spam@uce.gov.
What if the Information in my Credit Report is Wrong?
The credit reporting company and whoever provided the information to them about you are required to correct inaccurate information in your report.
In order to accomplish this, you will need to contact the credit reporting company - in writing- to explain what information you believe is incorrect.
Unless your dispute is considered 'frivolous', they must investigate within thirty days. They also have to send the information you provided them with to whomever reported the disputed information to them. That person or entity is required to investigate and if they determine a mistake was indeed made, they must notify all three reporting companies so the information in your files can be corrected.
Once the investigation has been completed, the credit reporting company is required to give you written results and a free copy of our report if the investigation resulted in a change on your report.
You should also receive a written notification of the name, address and phone number of the information provider.
Here is the contact information for the three main reporting agencies:
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
TransUnion 1-800-680-7289
Where Can I Get HELP or More Information?
To get additional information on consumer issues or to file a complaint, go to FTC.gov or call them at 1-877-382-4357.
You should also receive a written notification of the name, address and phone number of the information provider.
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What if the Information in my Credit Report is Wrong?
The credit reporting company and whoever provided the information to them about you are required to correct inaccurate information in your report.
In order to accomplish this, you will need to contact the credit reporting company - in writing- to explain what information you believe is incorrect.
Unless your dispute is considered 'frivolous', they must investigate within thirty days. They also have to send the information you provided them with to whomever reported the disputed information to them. That person or entity is required to investigate and if they determine a mistake was indeed made, they must notify all three reporting companies so the information in your files can be corrected.
Once the investigation has been completed, the credit reporting company is required to give you written results and a free copy of our report if the investigation resulted in a change on your report.
You should also receive a written notification of the name, address and phone number of the information provider.
Here is the contact information for the three main reporting agencies:
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
TransUnion 1-800-680-7289
Where Can I Get HELP or More Information?
To get additional information on consumer issues or to file a complaint, go to FTC.gov or call them at 1-877-382-4357.
You should also receive a written notification of the name, address and phone number of the information provider.
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Credit Monitoring... Who Should Monitor Their Credit? Everyone! If you have a good or excellent credit rating, of course you want to protect it. Even if your credit rating is low right now, you don't want it to get even worse. Credit monitoring is an important tool to protect against identity theft and to watch for errors made in reporting legitimate transactions. How Do I Monitor My Credit? Read your bank statements and credit statements very carefully! Look for any transactions you don't recognize and work with the bank or credit card company to identify them. If they are errors, you will want them addressed. If they are the result of identity theft, catching them early is critical! Check the activity on your credit reports FREQUENTLY. Although you are entitled ot one free credit report from each of the three main credit reporting companies a year, this is not enough! A lot can happen in a year. If someone steals your identity shortly after you've reviewed your annual report, they could be opening new accounts that you would be unaware of for the next 11 months before you discover you've become a victim of identity theft! Rather than paying the credit reporting companies whenever you want to review your reports, it makes more sense to consider using a Credit Monitoring company. They have the ability to monitor your credit constently. This means they can notify you very quickly of any potential unauthorized activity. When shopping for a credit monitoring company, some of the options you want to look for are:
If Your Identity Has Already Been Stolen... Contact one of the three main credit reporting companies and tell them you need a fraud alert put on your credit report. (Whichever one you contact will contact the other two for you.) This fraud alert will remain on your account for 90 days or more. This will make it harder for someone to open an account using your I.D.
After you create a fraud alert, you are entitled to one free credit report from each credit reporting company. Be sure to order these reports and review them carefully. You may need to contact the fraud department of each entity that the identity thief opened an account with and instruct them to close the account and resolve any open issues.
Create an Identity Theft Report with the FTC. You can call them at 1-877-438-4338 or file online at http://ftc.gov/idtheft . When you file, you be sure to obtain or print a copy of the affidavit. Take the affidavit to your local police report and file a report. Get a copy of the police report for your records. You will need to send copies of the affidavit and the police report to any companies that have set up accounts in your name based on the actions of the identity thief. |