CONSUMER FRAUD – RECOGNIZE, REPORT and REGISTER

From the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.

There are many forms of Consumer Fraud – Mortgage Fraud, Debit Card Fraud, Fake Charities, Fake Lotteries and more.
Here are some tips so that you do not fall prey:

Recognize:
* Do not respond to callers who ask for money first or who want to know your bank account, credit card or social security number.
* Look at your bills and make sure they match up with your
purchases.

(Click above for quick reference flyer from BACP)

Report:
* Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission by going to ftc.gov.
* Call the card issuer as soon as you realize your card has been lost or stolen.
* The law states you have no additional responsibility for charges you didn’t make (your liability for each card lost or stolen is $50).

Register:
* A fraud alert on your credit report if you think someone has misused your personal
or financial info (Equifax,Experian, Transunion). Equifax.com 800-525-6285; Experian.com 888-397-3742; Transunion.com 800-680-7289.
* Contact the credit reporting agencies and put a credit freeze on your account if you think an identity thief is trying to open up accounts in your name.

You can file a report by calling 311.

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