They’re back – the same old scams, but many of them with a new twist. We’ve been getting a number of calls from consumers who are getting phone calls, e-mails, and even checks in the mail that are causing them to ask, “Is this for real?” More often than not, they are the same old scams that have been tried before, but, this time, reworked and tried on a new group of people. Before you answer questions over the phone, click on a link in an e-mail, or cash an unexpected check, take a moment to think about the situation, and whether or not it could be a scam. Scam artists are getting very good at making you think they represent a legitimate source such as a government agency, your bank, or a popular sweepstakes. Here are a few tips that might help you to spot a scam before you fall victim. • The caller tries to scare or intimidate you by talking fast and demanding that you provide personal information or take some other action on the spot. • The e-mail or letter that accompanies your check contains spelling and grammatical errors, or the quality of the website or check seems fuzzy and not quite right. • The call or postmark on the envelope appears to be from someone who is located out of the country. • You are told to act fast and keep the notification confidential. If you believe that you are being targeted by a scam, it is important that you report it to state and federal consumer agencies, the postal inspector, or your local police department. Your information can help these agencies to crack down and alert others of potential scams