Never ending scams

It's a shame we have to keep telling you of new scams that readers bring to our attention, but there's no shortage of them.

For example, many of us have gotten emails with fake requests for personal information from banks and national businesses. Usually, the email claims the company is updating its records and needs verification of account data.

The tipoff is often that you don't normally do business with that bank or firm, so why would you think about sending your personal info? If you receive a message from a firm you really do business with, then call them to verify it. They'll be happy to know if someone is misusing their name and reputation.

One email that has nine lives is the Nigerian inheritance scam. You'd think, by now, everyone would be aware of this one, but obviously someone is still making money at it.

A recent version has a Rev. Williams as the contact person. We've never noticed that installing Rev. or Dr. before a person's name suddenly makes them more honest, but it must impress some folks.

Anyway, the email warns that you haven't lived up to your obligations and tells you to send them information to get an ATM card to withdraw up to $1,000 a day. Frankly, anyone who falls for this almost deserves it since they are trying to get something for nothing in the first place.

Another scam letter received by an area woman promises to pay up to $800 a week for people to shop in various name stores as a consumer service evaluator. Of course they will end up with some of your financial data if you cash their check and follow their instructions.

We can wonder, who could believe they would be paid to shop at Wal-Mart and could keep the merchandise as well?

Then, there's a new kink in which people are finding tiny credit card charges from a New York company called Adele Services. The amount may be as low as 20-cents, but the company is apparently trying to find out if the account is active. If such a charge pops up on your bill, contact your credit card company immediately.

There's just no end to con games. Over the next year, there could be even more unscrupulous souls trying to separate you from your money. Be careful out there.