MORE SCAMS: We have passed along information about scams going
around even in these tough times. Now, we learn, some scams are
geared specifically toward those tough times.

Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants warns
that the threat of being defrauded by a con artist rises during a
recession, as money becomes tight and thieves work overtime. Here’s
some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim:

– So-called credit “repair.” During a recession, people can fall
behind on their payments for credit cards and other debt. Con
artists take advantage of this situation by creating fake companies
that offer to clean up your credit. This can be confusing, because
there are legitimate, accredited credit counseling agencies that do
advise people on how to improve their debt situation. Real agencies
might, for example, help you create a more manageable payment plan
for your debt, but no one can quickly erase information from your
credit record or repair it immediately. Be wary of offers that
claim to do so.

– “We’re Your New Bank.” Again, in our economy, many financial
institutions have been taken over by an entirely different
organization. You may find that the institution you’ve banked with
for years may suddenly have a new name. Not surprisingly, con
artists have figured out a way to take advantage of this situation.
Scammers send e-mails to consumers and pretend to be an
organization that has just bought your bank or your mortgage. The
e-mails demand that you verify or confirm your personal financial
information, such as your account or credit card numbers, Social
Security number, account passwords, or other confidential
information that they will then use to access your accounts or
steal your identity. Don’t fall for these “phishing”
expeditions.

– Working from home. Many people make a living working in their
homes, but there are also scam companies that claim you can make
thousands of dollars immediately by doing so. The dead giveaway is
the large, up-front payments that many of these scammers demand,
usually for materials or equipment that you supposedly will need to
do the work. As with all of these cases, if it seems too good to be
true, it usually is.