In today's society, there are now so many opportunities for us to become victims of a scammer. With the internet now the #1 one source for scammers, here are some tips and tricks on how to avoid becoming a scammers victim.... or what to look out for if you feel someone you know may have been the victim of a scammer.

1. NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER!  The old advice your mom gave you is one you need to pay attention to especially in these days and times. A scammer can "look" the part he or she wants to look. If they want to look the part of an elderly person or someone in a wheelchair so it gains your empathy they will. Scammers are cunsummate actors and can be the most convincing.... so just because someone looks to be in need doesn't mean they are. Never allow yourself to be taken in by someone on appearance alone. (Now, if someone had only told me that when I met my first husband, lol, think of the money I would have saved from that divorce!)

2. IF YOU AREN'T SURE OF THE CHARITY OR PERSON, ASK FOR THE CHARITY'S REGISTRATION NUMBER! All reputable business are required to have a registration number or a EIN number for operating. It's the law. If you are unsure that the charity is not a legit entity, then ask for the number. If it cannot be given to you then check with the Better Business Bureau or visit www(dot)give(dot)org for a comprehensive list of charitable organizations. Chances are, if there is no record of this organization then it's a scam.

3. DO NOT ALLOWED YOURSELF TO BE PUSHED INTO DONATING ON THE SPOT! If someone comes to your door or calls you and asks for you to donate right then and there, don't allow yourself to be bullied into making a donation. A reputable company will leave literature (or mail some) at your request. This will allow you to investigate for yourself that the company is legit or not. Or, if it's someone claiming to be a represenative of an organization and they say you have to give the money to them, they very well could be someone posing as someone working for the company. If you give them a donation in person, they can walk away with your money and the intended funds will never see the orginization to where it was intended. Instead, ask that they leave you with a brochure. Then mail your donation (once you've made sure the company is reputable) to their headquarters.

4. NEVER PAY FOR A DONATION VIA CASH OR CREDIT CARD! Unless you are 100% positive this company is legit, never give out your credit card information. Also, if writing a check, make sure the check is written out to the organization NOT THE PERSON soliciting your donation. If you give cash, there is no proof your donation is not being pocketed by a scammer.

5. LISTEN TO THAT VOICE IN YOUR HEAD! Nine times out of ten, that little voice of reason we hear in our head is usually correct. If you have ANY doubt whatsoever that you may be potentially getting scammed, LISTEN TO THAT VOICE and never doubt your suspicions! Reputable organizations will NEVER put you on the spot to make a donation right then and there. Reputable organizations will never ask you to wire money. And they will NEVER ask you to make a check out to anything other than the name of the organization. Never. If you have any doubt, then just say no.