Phone scams

~If a caller asks for your credit card number to verify a free vacation or other gift, hang up. Your number may be used to charge purchases by phone.

~Make sure you know the charges before calling 900 numbers. Most 800 numbers are free - 900 numbers aren't.

~Be very suspicious if you recieve a collect call from someone who says he's a law-enforcement officer with emergency information about a family member, requesting your phone card number to charge the call. Other variations of this scam include a telephone company investigator checking a system failure, or a FCC official investigating a complaint.

~Ask for a financial report if a caller requests a charitable donation. Reputable charities will always send this information if you ask.

**Never make an investment with a stranger over the phone!