FROM PAGE 7

phone scam.

“Hi, this is Lisa,” the call came just recently. “Due to the tragic time we’re offering a full debt forgiveness on Visa Mastercard.”

This situation (which really happened to us) is problematic precisely for the reason once observed by Vito Corleone, well-known fictional founder of the Genco Olive Oil

Company. Namely; ‘why do I deserve this generosity?’ Credit card companies are in business to make money, so that offering debt forgiveness with no strings attached is somewhat fishy. If

it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

On to scenario two:

"Hi, it's your grandson. I was just in a fight

and I need you to wire me bail money fast.”

This appeal (purely fictional, by the way),

tugs at the heart strings—along with urging speed to short circuit critical thinking. Maybe the grandson or granddaughter (this is rough, but legitimate) needs to sit in jail in order to straighten his/her life out somewhat—that or the scammer impersonating them does.

Finally, scenario three: “My name is…and I’m calling you about your vehicle’s extended warranty.

Records show that the insurance on your vehicle is expiring. Press one to speak with a representative now.”

Just hang up on that one—it’s ok to. If everyone’s warranty was in jeopardy to the degree implied, there wouldn’t be a purpose for auto insurance—or maybe there would.

Bad things do happen sometimes, after all.