Treasurer Fitzgerald Offers Tips to Stop Scammers from Cashing In

Guest Editorial from State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald

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State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald

DES MOINES, IA (06/30/2020) (readMedia)-- As State Treasurer, one of my goals is to continuously provide resources to Iowans on the importance of protecting themselves and their money. During these challenging times, we should be on high financial alert to help us steer clear of scams. Unfortunately, scammers will always be around to try to take advantage of the public. Here are some tips to help protect you and your finances:

Sign up for credit reports and alerts. You can get a free credit report annually by going to AnnualCreditReport.com. Iowans can report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint or through the Iowa Attorney General's office at IowaAttorneyGeneral.gov.

Never share personal information with someone who has contacted you unsolicited, whether by phone, email, social media or even your front door. This includes banking and credit card information, your date of birth and social security number.

Never send money to someone you have never met, especially if they ask you to send via wire transfer, prepaid debit card or gift card.

Pay attention to correspondences from your financial institutions. Before responding to an inquiry from your financial institution, validate their identity by calling the institution. Review your bank and credit union accounts, credit card statements and monitor your credit score for irregularities.

Monitor your accounts. Check your account balances often and monitor all withdrawals to ensure transactions were completed with your approval.

Share this information with your friends and family to keep those you love safe as well.

About the author: As State Treasurer of Iowa, Michael L. Fitzgerald acts as the state's banker, invests Iowa's pooled money, coordinates bonding, and returns millions of unclaimed property through the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. He also helps families save for higher-education through Iowa's 529 College Savings Programs, including College Savings Iowa, helps people with disabilities and their families save for disability-related expenses through IAble and promotes financial education and empowerment throughout the state.