Tipoffs to ripoffs

Reprinted from the Federal Trade Commission’s red flags that signal the person on the phone may be a scammer. If you hear these — or similar — “lines” from someone who calls, just say “no thank you,” and hang up the phone.

■  “You’ve been specially selected to hear this offer.”

■  “You’ll get a wonderful free bonus if you buy our product.”

■ “You’ve won one of five valuable prizes.”

■ “You’ve won big money in a foreign lottery.”

■ “You must send money right away.”

■ “This investment is low risk and provides a higher return than you   can get anywhere else.”

■ “You have to make up your mind right away.”

■ “You don’t need to check our company with anyone,” including   your family, lawyer, accountant, local Better Business Bureau, or   consumer protection agency.

■ “We’ll just put the shipping and handling charges on your credit   card.”

■ “You don’t need any written information about our company or
  references.”

Aren’t sure? Call the FBI scam hot line: 858-715-1648.