How To Stay A Step Ahead of Scammers - FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |

How To Stay A Step Ahead of Scammers

OMAHA (KPTM)- Every day scammers are finding new ways to target you and your money.

That's why it's ‘National Consumer Protection Week.' It's about educating you on what you can do to protect yourself and your assets.

The Nebraska Attorney Generals Office,

Nebraska's Attorney General, Jon Bruning, said in 2012, the office received more than 450 complaints regarding scams and fraud.

The Better Business Bureau said you can protect yourself by keeping a tab on your credit card account. Also, to avoid mail solicitations, shred documents.

Fox 42 even spoke to one woman, Sandy, who said scammers met with her in person. She said they had contacted her trying to buy her timeshare.  She said they turned "nasty" when they realized she wasn't go to lend them money. "This was in person-a couple other couples there too," said Sandy. 

Sandy said the scammers said they were from VSI, Vacation Services International. She called the company after meeting with them, and the company said it was a scam.

Jacqueline Greene didn't meet the people who tried to scam her in person, but said she's worried other people may fall victim. "(They are) definitely looking to hurt the aged, and that I find reprehensible," said Greene.

Greene received a phone call earlier this week. The person on the phone said she was a finalist for a one-million dollar prize with Publisher Clearing House. It seemed too good to be true, and it was. "I accused them of being a scam. They kind of stuttered around and said, oh no mam, we're real."

The scammers wanted Greene's credit card number to pay for postage of the magazine that she was to receive as part of her "prize."

Greene said it wasn't that much money they were asking for. "But if they get your credit card number, obviously $4.99 is not where they're going to stop."

For tips on how to avoid scammers, click here.