1. Help for Haiti Websites: Still a hot topic, the FBI told CNN it is "suspicious" of most of the 4,600 sites seeking donations for Haiti earthquake victims.
2. Home Repair: Spring is here, and so are the guys with a truck full of tools or asphalt, ready to take your money in advance.
3. Weddings: Beware "free" tickets to bridal shows; dresses with fake labels; planners, photographers and caterers who take your money and run.
4. The Census: You may be contacted in person, by e-mail or by phone by people looking for your personal banking information and demanding that you're obligated to give it. You're not.
5. Toyota "Recall": These scams involve a toll-free number that is very similar to the real Toyota number. When you call the fake number, you'll be charged $5.96 and will be asked for information such as your Social Security number.
6. Work at Home: You'll get information that tells you how to find the jobs, not the actual jobs.
7. Windows 7 Updates: You could lose money when you pay for fake software update codes, or postage for free updates.
8. Canada Lottery -- Soccer World Cup: You'll be invited to send money to be in the promotional lottery. Worse, you'll be told you've already won and just have to send in some fees.
9. Mystery Shoppers: You could be charged for a guide and a kit showing how to find the jobs, or they'll ask for your banking information so they can automatically deposit your pay.
10. Stranded Pets: Your heartstrings will be tugged, and you could end up paying for adoption fees, vaccinations, customs fees and more ... but your pet never arrives.
To keep up with scams, take a look at the Scams website message board at www.scam.com. You don't have to log in to read the messages. Also, Consumer Affairs at consumeraffairs.com is an informal site that appears to keep up with the latest scams as well as recalls.
Rule of thumb: Be suspicious when it comes to your money or information.
David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.
(c) 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.




