BOOMER JOURNEYS

by Alex Carrier,
Published: May 1, 2008

As a writer, I spend a lot of time using words to relay information to readers.  I hope those readers believe I have done my best to make sure everything I write is correct. 
So, it pains me no end and seems self-defeating to say “You cannot believe everything you read in print, or see on television, or hear on the radio or find on the Internet.”
Most of those sources give legitimate and reliable information and can be used and trusted.  Unfortunately, con artists, frauds and thieves know we rely on these sources for good information and they use that knowledge against us. 
As smart consumers each of us must judge the information we receive before using it.  There are many ways this can be accomplished.  Here are some.
First and foremost – know the source.  Experience tells you how much you can trust information from someone you know personally.  Experience can also help you determine the reliability of other sources.
Media and other sources you have trusted in the past can usually be trusted in the future.  Journalists and the companies they work for rely heavily on their reputations for being truthful and reliable.  They work hard to protect that good reputation.
Mistakes do happen and, on occasion, media have been wrong and journalists have been less than truthful.  Be as vigilant about reading the corrections and story follow-ups as you are about reading – and repeating – the original story.
Government and educational sources are usually considered reliable.  They are often used by others as the gold standard for information. 
Be aware that con artists and frauds will often use printed material that looks remarkably like government, company or non-profit publications. In some cases it is literal duplication of legitimate logos and formats for fraudulent purposes. 
In the case of non-profit agencies, con artists can set up fraudulent companies with names and logos extremely similar to legitimate organizations.  If you have any doubt about printed material you receive, check with authorities. If you have received the material by mail, check with your post master. 
Look-a-like frauds are a common tool of choice for Internet thieves.  They may use emails appearing to come from your bank or other financial institution; from a government or well-known company source; from a non-profit agency or they may take the guise of someone you know. 
Never give your information to someone requesting it in an email.  This includes your name, address, phone number, Social Security number and bank account numbers.  Do not use a link provided on any email asking for this information.  If you think the request is legitimate, use a phone number, email or Internet address from your files. 
If you receive an email from a friend and feel at all suspicious, do not open it.  Delete it.  Contact the friend to see if they actually sent the email and ask them to resend.
Frauds advertise.  They can use legitimate print and broadcast ads to reach their victims.  They set up phony companies to gain your trust.
Before sending or giving money to any company you do not know, contact your Better Business Bureau.  You can even contact your local police department. 
People are not always who they say they are.  Investigations have shown some customer testimonials actually used actors posing as satisfied customers. 
Check the company out before you send out your check.  Consider using a credit card that will help you should the transaction prove fraudulent or unsatisfactory.  If you rely on credit card policy for protection, make sure you know and understand that policy. 
Like the wolves in sheep’s clothing, thieves wanting to deceptively take your money know how to disguise their true nature behind words and through all types of media.
Smart consumers do not distrust everyone but they reserve that trust for those who have earned it.  Smart consumers know to look for the frauds and thieves who pose as legitimate sources. 
When making decisions about reliability, legitimacy and safety, remember that the best way to see things as they truly are is to use your brain as well as your eyes