Saftey Measures

As regards scams in general, it is important to take note of the following safety measures:

• Ask for the name of the person you are speaking to and who they represent.
• Take notes of conversations, including dates, times, names and important points.
• Ask for an explanation of anything you don’t understand.
• Read letters carefully and seek professional help (e.g. an accountant or a solicitor) if significant money, time or responsibilities are involved.
• If you want to check out the bona fides of a company, contact the relevant government agency responsible.
• If it sounds too good to be true it probably is!
• Find out who you are dealing with. Independently verify any claims made by a sales person, investment adviser or advertisement.
• Make sure that any company you deal with complies with the applicable State and International organizations' laws.
• Do business with companies you know and trust.
• Make sure you fully understand all the terms and conditions of any offer made to you.
• Take your time before you make any decision.
• Don’t provide any financial or other personal information before you establish whether the company is legitimate.
• Understand and monitor your investments and ask frequent questions and map out your financial goals before you meet with a financial planner.
• Don’t judge the credibility of a company or sales person by how ‘professional’ they or their promotional material or web site seems.
• Don’t fall for high-pressure sales tactics.
• Don’t let embarrassment or fear keep you from reporting fraud or abuse to the appropriate authorities.
• Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions. In fact, the more questions you ask, the better.
• Never send your money to a PO Box. Check that the business you are dealing with has a full street address with contact details.

More safety measures

• Don't believe phone calls, faxes, e-mails, or mailings, especially from other countries, that ask you to send money.
• Don't give out your personal or financial information or corporate stationery.
• Dictate the method of payment for the item you're selling.
• Ask for cash instead of a check or credit card.
• Return checks you receive for larger amounts; ask the buyer for the correct amount.
• Wait until the payment check clears in the bank before shipping the item (s).
• Contact your bank if you have questions about the check.
• Deal with a local shipping agent.
• Notify the authorities or the Better Business Bureau if you suspect you were scammed.

Source: FBI, Secret Service, and the Better Business Bureau

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Still Doing Business With Nigeria