The Melbourne Police Department offers the following recommendations to assist citizens against scams designed to steal your money.

Protect Yourself

• Don’t give your credit card number to an unsolicited telemarketer.
• Check out any deal before parting with your hard-earned money.

Ask Questions

• Where did you get my name?
• Can you send me written materials to back up your claims?
• Explain all the risks involved in this investment.
• Would you be willing to explain your proposal to my attorney, accountant or banker?
• What governmental agency supervises your activity?
• How long has your company been in business?
• How much of my money will go for fees and commissions?
• Where will my money be held, exactly?
• What type of written statements do your provide, and how often will I receive them?
• Who are the principals of your firm? Can you provide references for them?

Swindlers may lie while answering these questions, but most likely they’ll simply hang up in disgust because you are not an easy target.

Don't Get Taken

• Don’t let "greed" overcome common sense.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Get a second opinion.
• Never reveal your "vital numbers" – credit card, phone card, Social Security, bank account or personal identification numbers (PIN) – to verify a contest prize, to become eligible for a low-cost vacation or for any other offers.

Be Wary

• High-pressure sales.
• Demands for cash only.
• Need for quick decisions.
• Secret deals.
• No-risk, high-yield investments.
• Delayed delivery.
• Dialing telephone numbers that will result in charges to your phone bill. Remember that 800 numbers are free; 900 numbers are not.

Learn More

• If you feel you have been the victim of a scam or have additional questions, please call the Melbourne Police Department at 321-608-6731.