Could you be targeted by a November scam?

This is the time of year when we start hearing more about phone scams, scams involving bogus charities, and banking scams.

Although these scams can happen at any time, November seems to be a time of year when:
· People start staying indoors, making them easier to reach by phone, 
· More likely to fall for charity scams as people get into the holiday spirit of giving,  and
· The need to use debit and credit cards for holiday purchases may cause more people to react to bogus alerts that their account has been compromised.

You can protect yourself from a scam.  Remember, think before you act.  Scam artists are very good at pulling at heart strings or making you believe that your account has been compromised.  Do not give a donation or personal information without making a call to a number that you know is legitimate. 

Keep your ears and eyes wide open for information about scams that are popping up online or in your area. 

And do not be afraid to ask questions or tell a caller that you will call them back.   Keep in mind, if the caller is legitimate, they will have no problem with you wanting to check things out.