Scammers could make your 2020 miserable if you abbreviate the year as ‘20 when dating legal documents, authorities are warning.
That ‘20 could be turned into “2018” or “2019” on a check or other legal document, setting you up for fraud, according to the Takoma Park Police Department in Takoma Park, Maryland.
For instance, the scammers could date that captured check to “2021” and attempt to cash it again next year. Another scenario: Say you signed documents agreeing to start paying debt on 1/3/20. That could be turned into 1/3/2019, and the scammers could attempt to collect past debt.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The simple solution: Fully write out the year -- 2020 -- on any legal documents, authorities say.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Give Back GDP Gains After Beige BookThe latest GDP report showed the U.S. economy grew at a rapid-fire rate in the third quarter, but the Fed's Beige Book sparked concerns.
-
How Charlie Munger Helped Create Berkshire Hathaway, and Warren Buffett
Munger's passing reminds us that Berkshire Hathaway is much more than the value of its stock holdings.
-
5 Ways to Save Money on Vacation Rental Properties
Travel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
10 Annoying Hotel Fees and How to Avoid Them
Travel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
Tired of Scam Text Messages? The FCC Cracks Down
New scam text message rules from the FCC require carriers to block texts from bad numbers and protect consumers.
-
Tax Scam: IRS Warns Taxpayers Against Filing False W-2 Info
Scams A new tax scam on social media advises lying on your W-2 to falsely claim credits and bigger refunds.
-
Beware Fake Disney Plus Emails That Steal Your Bank Information
Fake Disney Plus billing messages enable scammers to access your bank account and drain your funds.
-
Watch Out for Flood-Damaged Cars from Hurricane Ian
Buying & Leasing a Car In the wake of Hurricane Ian, more flood-damaged cars may hit the market. Car prices may rise further because of increased demand as well.
-
The Best Way to Protect a Parent from Scammers
Scams Adult children worried about their parents’ ability to spot and avoid fraud have several options to help protect them, including a durable power of attorney, a guardianship and a revocable trust. Which might be best for your family?
-
How to Avoid a Summer of Scams – Expert Tips to Help Aging Parents
Scams Financial professionals share their top tips to help avoid becoming a statistic in a summertime wave of identity theft, account hacks and telemarketing fraud.
