Scamming Snow Birds

A new "scam", which previously had been conducted by post cards, has surfaced on the web. This particular scam targets "Seniors" who are "snowbirds" and winter in warmer climates. It has surfaced in many states, but is especially active in Florida and Texas. Since many "Seniors" have purchased computers, and use E-mail to keep in touch with friends and relatives back home, they are a prime target.

If you, or a friend, receive an E-mail stating they have found unclaimed property in your name, don't fall this one. The cleverly worded pitch, which claims they have located property which is rightfully yours, entices you to prepay $14.98 to recover unclaimed property. This is purportedly to cover their expenses in representing you. Items which may be listed, are overpaid taxes, balances in bank accounts, and refunds due for various reasons. They prey on the fact that you probably don't receive your local paper, where unclaimed property is usually listed once a year.

This is just a scam to get your money. All you get for the money, if anything, is a form to be filled out to mail to the State's unclaimed property office.

Another scam that has surfaced in these warmer clients, involves "snowbirds" that still have to pay their bills at home. They normally pay these bills by U.S. mail. Many people will put their mail in their mailbox, and put the red flag up, as a signal to the postal worker that there is outgoing mail. Well, this is also a signal to the unscrupulous to check your outgoing mail before it is picked up.

They may actually steal your checks and then "wash" them, making them payable to themselves (usually a fictitiously obtained identity) and cash them at a local check cashing or banking facility. You should always mail all your mail from the US Post Office or from a "Blue Box". If you are the victim of mail theft contact your local US Postal Inspection Service Office.

Both scams involve the mails. The first is your E-mail and the second is the U.S. mail. While these scams are currently targeting "Seniors" in warmer climates, they could surface anywhere. In both cases, a little common sense goes a long way.

Bob publishes the free weekly "Your Business" Newsletter Visit his Web Site at http://adv-marketing.com/business to subscribe and place a Free Ad for your business.

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