| Debunking financial urban myths |
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Some consumer advocates suggest another approach.
Write “Check ID” in large print where the signature normally
goes. You'll have to produce identification when you use the
card, assuming the merchant checks the back of the card, but it
certainly reduces the chances of someone else using your card.
Myth No. 6: You can make a
pile of dough by helping a foreigner solve his money problems.
"Hello, my name is unpronounceable, and I need to get money
out of my country. Will you let me use your bank account?"
is the gist of this e-mail plea.
It's called the Nigerian
bank scam, and it's among Mikkelson's favorites, mainly because
the number of people asking about it is huge. "It is impossible
for the average person to figure out what is going on unless they
know there is such a thing as a Nigerian scam," she says. For
one, the back- story changes constantly to reflect current events.
Expect a new variation every time a foreign leader dies or is deposed.
Presently, Yassar Arafat's widow is supposedly seeking help moving
his secret bank account out of enemy hands, and the sergeant who
found Saddam Hussein's hidden gold wants help keeping it out of
insurgent hands.
Myth No. 7: You can buy your
way out of points on a speeding ticket. If you pay a bit
more than your fine actually is, the state will send you a refund
check for the difference. Don't cash it and they can't assess points
because the transaction isn't complete.
Hmmm,
sounds good -- a way to circumvent rising insurance rates for a mere $5. But when
Mikkelson checked into it, she discovered the popular e-mail advice originated
in Australia. Maybe it works for Aussies, but Americans aren't so lucky.
Myth No. 8: Hotel Bibles often
have $100 bills tucked into them. Heard the one that Gideons
leave $100 bills in their hotel Bibles to reward folks who turn
to the Good Book?
Mikkelson rejoiced when
she actually discovered such a treasure during her honeymoon -- and found out
a few hours later that her new husband was pretending to be God. The only thing
Gideons leave behind is the book.
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