Consumer tip: What you can do to avoid a scam
• Block unwanted calls and text messages.
• Don’t give your personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn’t expect. Legitimate organizations won’t call, email or text to ask for your personal information, like your Social Security.
• If you get an email or text message from a company you do business with and think it’s real, it’s still best not to click on any links. Instead, contact them using a website you know is trustworthy.
• Resist the pressure to act immediately. Legitimate businesses will give you time to decide.
• Never pay someone who insists you pay with a gift card or by using a money transfer service. And never deposit a check and send money back to someone.
• Stop and talk to someone you trust. Talking about it could help you realize it’s a scam.
More information at marincountyda.org or 415-473-6495