Consumer fraud seems to be everywhere these days, coming in a variety of forms: fake check scams, credit repair, free trip offers and sweepstakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid being a victim of consumer fraud:

• Don’t give out personal information. If someone you don’t know asks for your Social Security number, birthdate, credit card number, bank account number, password or other personal data – that’s when you should become suspicious.
  
• Don’t be intimidated. Be wary of calls or emails that want you to provide or verify personal information immediately. Tell them you’re not interested and hang up or delete the email without replying.
  
• Monitor your accounts. Review bank and credit card statements frequently and carefully. Report any unauthorized transactions to your financial institution immediately.
  
• Use a shredder. Tear or shred credit offers you receive in the mail, bank statements, insurance forms and other papers with personal information.