Time for a Pop Quiz on Scams

Test your knowledge and protect your cash

by: Sid Kirchheimer | from: AARP Bulletin | April 1, 2011

You weren't born yesterday. But how savvy are you really at avoiding scams? Take this quiz and find out.

— iStock

1. A message flashes on your computer screen: "Warning! Your system requires immediate antivirus scan." It offers a free scan. What do you do?

A. Click "No thanks" or the corner symbol to close the pop-up message.

B. On a PC, hold down the Ctrl and Alt keys and hit "delete." Under the Applications tab, choose "End Task," then do a full scan with your existing antivirus software.

C. Click "OK" to run the free scan.

2. Your wallet is lost or stolen. Should you file a report with the police?

A. No. The police are unlikely to have time to investigate.

B. Yes. Sending copies of the report to card issuers and credit bureaus will help clear up any ID theft.

3. The phone rings and a recorded voice tells you to call a number concerning an undeliverable package. Which area codes suggest it's a scam?

A. 284, 649, 809 or 876

B. 473, 664 or 784

C. All of the above.

4. You receive a $4,850 check and a letter saying it's partial payment of a lottery win. You're told to deposit the check and wire some or all of the money to the prize authority for insurance or other fees to get the full jackpot. You should:

A. Trash the check.

B. Deposit it and send the requested fee.

C. Deposit it, but don't send the fees.

5. When getting cash at an ATM, how can you protect your debit card data from scammers?

A. Wiggle the ATM's card slot to see if it's secure.

B. On newer ATMs, look for a bright or flashing light at the slot.

C. Cover the keypad as you enter your PIN.

D. All of the above.

6. After filing a tax return, you get an e-mail from an IRS address seeking personal data. Your response:

A. Click on the link in the e-mail to get details.

B. Provide the requested info via e-mail.

C. Delete the message unless it's clearly a reply to an e-mail that you sent the IRS.