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It isn't news that scam artists prey on people's fears. Today's hucksters are trying to take
advantage of anxiety that year 2000, or Y2K, computer problems may mess up some modern
conveniences at year end.
That possibility is bringing con artists out of the woodwork. Don't bite on these tricks: 1. Someone calls claiming to be from a credit union or bank where you conduct business. The caller confides, "We're a little behind in our Y2K corrections. To be sure your accounts are safe, we'd like to transfer your money into a special, safe account for the time being. If you'll just give us your account numbers for verification, we'll make the transfer and you'll be all set." Totally bogusdon't do it. 2. A promoter sends unsolicited e-mailOK, let's call a spam a spampitching you investment opportunities in products or companies supposedly able to fix the Y2K problem, and you can cash in! Bogusdon't invest. 3. A caller says he or she is from your credit card company, checking to make sure your card will be shipshape in the new millennium. The company is going to send you a new "stripe" to place over the old, flawed magnetic strip on the back of your card. But first ... you'll have to supply the account number for verification. Bogus again. In each case, notify your financial institution, card issuer, the local police department, and/or the consumer protection office in your state. Follow these guidelines, and discuss them with older people you think may be vulnerable to the exploits of fearmongers:
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©1999 Credit Union National Association Inc. |