Avoiding scams is really about common sense.  If you get a piece of mail, an email, a telephone call or any other offer that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  Any time someone is offering you money for doing nothing, or in exchange for your personal information, you should be suspicious.

If you suspect a scam, check it out.  These websites are considered reliable resources for verifying scams. 

	The Better Business Bureau for Consumers
	Scam.Com
	ScamBusters.Org
	Hoax-Slayer.com has a great guide to recognize scams.
	FakeChecks.Org
	wikiHow: How to Avoid Scams

Check On Your Elderly Loved Ones, Too

Scammers prey on the elderly, too.  Protect your loved ones.  Ask them about the mail, email and telemarketing calls they get.  

Most crimes committed against the elderly are "transient crimes." These crimes may involve offers of home repairs or other diversions where the perpetrator requests access to the home for something simple, like using the bathroom or a glass of water.  Scammers may also request access to the home to "check out" a problem that may not have been reported or one that does not even exist.  

Your elderly parents and loved ones need your help in protecting themselves.

--  adapted from information on eHow.com: How to Protect Your Elderly Parents from Scams