It is important to remember to protect yourself and your pocketbook especially in these times of economic trouble. Fraud and scam artists are more persistent now than ever. They are attacking consumers on many different fronts. Some of the most popular ways are through phone calls, mail, e-mails, and creating fake websites and companies.

The U.S. Department of Justice has developed an acronym to help people reduce or minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud. Just remember the word “SCAM”:

S Be stingy about giving out your personal information to others unless you have a reason to trust them, regardless of where you are (at home or abroad).

C Check your financial information regularly, and look for what transactions should be there and what transactions shouldn’t.

A Ask periodically for a copy of your credit report.

M Maintain careful records of your banking and financial accounts.

For more information on protecting yourself from fraud and scam, visit the following web sites:

• U.S. Department of Justice: http://www.usdoj. gov/criminal/fraud/websites/idtheft.html

• Better Business Bureau: http://bbb.org

• Utah Better Business Bureau: www.utah.bbb.org

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): www.fbi.gov

• Utah Federal Bureau of Investigation: http://saltlakecity.fbi.gov/ fraud.htm

• Federal Trade Commission Consumer Sentinel: http://www.ftc.gov/ sentinel/