A free home scam is a type of fraud in which the scammer promises to give you a free house in exchange for your personal information. These scams are often advertised online or through door-to-door solicitations.
There are many variations of the free home scam, but they all share some common elements. The scammer will typically claim to be affiliated with a government agency, a charity, or a real estate company. They may also claim to be offering the house as a prize or a donation.
Once you have contacted the scammer, they will ask for your personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number. They may also ask for a fee, which they will claim is necessary to cover the cost of closing costs or other fees associated with the transfer of the property.
Once you have provided the scammer with your personal information or a fee, they will disappear. You will never receive a free home, and you may also be at risk of identity theft.
Here are some tips to help you avoid free home scams:
- Be suspicious of any offer that sounds too good to be true. If someone is offering you a free house, it’s probably a scam.
- Do not give out your personal information to anyone you do not know and trust. This includes your name, address, Social Security number, and financial information.
- Be wary of door-to-door solicitations. If someone comes to your door offering you a free home, do not give them any personal information or a fee.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau or your local consumer protection agency before doing business with any company that is offering a free home.
If you have been the victim of a free home scam, there are a few things you can do:
- Report the scam to the police. This will help them track down the scammers and bring them to justice.
- Place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will make it more difficult for the scammers to open new accounts in your name.
- Monitor your credit report for any suspicious activity. If you see any unauthorized charges, report them to the credit bureaus immediately.
Free home scams are a common type of fraud, but you can protect yourself by being aware of the signs and taking steps to avoid them. By following these tips, you can help keep your personal information safe and your financial accounts secure.
What to do if a scammer comes to your house?
See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.
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