Tips to Prevent Fraud
Take advantage of us, so no one takes advantage of you.

Home Improvement Tips

• Always obtain 3 written estimates
• Call the Division of Consumer Affairs to check for complaints
• Do not pay in cash
• Get everything in writing-start and completion dates, the contractor's name, street address and phone number, an exact description of the job, the brand names to be used, and the sizes, total cost and guarantees
• Get references and check them
• Make sure contractor is registered with the state and has a number (Example: 13VH00000000)
• Pay in installments: 1/3 up front, 1/3 when the job is half completed, and 1/3 on the date the job is completed as promised in your contract

Telemarketing Tips

• Always be skeptical of unsolicited calls
• Ask the solicitor for his/her name, the company's name and its location
• Do not give out your credit card or Social Security number
• Do not make any immediate decisions. Ask for information in writing, and then you can make your decision
• Hang up if you are being pressured or intimidated

Hang Up On Telephone Fraud
Never give a caller:

• Bank Account Numbers
• Credit Card Numbers
• Personal Information
• Social Security Numbers

Savings & Securities

• Check the broker's credentials with the Bureau of Securities
• Never buy stocks, bonds or securities from a stranger, or if you feel pressured
• Obtain the formal written offer
• Report suspected fraud to the Bureau of Securities as well as to the Branch Manager of the securities form

Charities

• Always ask for literature
• Check with the Division of Consumer Affairs to find out how much of the money collected goes to the cause
• Demand identification from the caller/solicitor
• Make certain the charity is registered in New Jersey and get the registration number

Avoid Being A Victim

• Never act under pressure
• Never fail to ask for information and contracts in writing, and to get written guarantees
• Never get talked into paying cash
• Never give out personal or financial information
• Never hesitate to call the Cape May County Office of Consumer Affairs to ask a question, if you are suspicious, or to file a complaint
• Never pay for a prize

Ask Yourself

• Can I afford to lose any money?
• Do I really need this product, prize or service?
• Does this sound too good to be true?