WickenburgNews.com 

    “The New Year is a great time to resolve to protect yourself from
scammers, to stay safe online and to take steps to prevent having your
identity stolen,” Goddard said.

Smart consumers should make the following resolutions:

       *  Shred financial papers that contain personal identifying
           information.

       *  Update firewalls and anti-virus software on your computer.

       *  Do not respond to unknown solicitations by phone or email.

       *  Use a credit card when shopping online, not a debit card.

       *  If you received any gift cards over the holidays, check expiration
           dates or fees so you can get the most from your gift.

       *  Do your homework before writing the check for any charitable
           donation to make sure the organization is legitimate.

       *  If you have a question and need consumer advice, contact our office
           by email at communityservices@azag.gov or by phone at 602-542-2123.

       *  If your children go online, know what Web sites and chat rooms they
           visit.  Talk with them about where they go and what they post on the
           Internet. Use parental blocks or tracking software when necessary.

       *  And finally, if you didn’t buy a lottery ticket, you haven’t won.  Ignore that very attractive        certificate you received in the mail stating that you won a lottery or a sweepstakes. If it makes you feel good, frame it but don’t try to cash it.

      If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at 602.542.5763; in Tucson at 520.628.6504; or outside the metro areas at 1.800.352.8431. To file a complaint in person, the Attorney General’s Office has 36 satellite offices throughout Arizona with volunteers available to assist you. Locations and hours are posted on the Attorney General’s Web site at www.azag.gov.