Opt out of pre-approved credit card applications. Call: (888) 5-OPT-OUT.

Stop those telemarketing calls and other helpful tips from the Direct Marketing Assn.: http://www.dmaconsumers.org/

The National Do Not Call registry: (888) 382-1222 or visit: www.nocallsnc.com

Use direct deposit. For federal direct deposit, call: (800)772-1213

Many questions about investments may be answered at the N.C. Secretary of State: Securities Division: (800) 688-4507, or visit: www.sosnc.com

Check before your invest. Many of the investments people try to sell you must be registered. The National Assn. of Securities Dealers (NASD) BrokerCheck hotline can give you more information: (800) 289-9999.

Visit the North American Securities Administrators Association at: http://www.nasaa.org/

To search for “lost” money in N.C., visit: www.NCCash.com

To search for “lost” money in (most) states, visit: www.missingmoney.com

If you believe you have been swindled or conned, call the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office at: 642-6551 or the D.A.’s office at: 641-3050.

Seniors, for more information on scams or other services, call AARP at: (888) OUR-AARP

Have you been a victim of identity theft? Fill out and affidavit at: www.ftc.gov/idtheft, or call: (877) ID THEFT. Also, report the incident to your local police.

“Buy” your credit score. Since your credit score is a complex calculation of many factors in your credit history, calculated by private businesses, they are not given away. You can learn more about your credit score at: https://www.myfico.com/CreditEducation/

Practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information are at: www.OnGuardOnline.gov

Scams defined, from the Credit Union National Assn.: http://www.creditunion.coop/scams.html

Tips for senior safety at: www.RexGoreNCDA13.com

Check out latest scams around the country: www.secretary.state.nc.us/sec/nasaa.aspx#

Federal Trade Commission main page, with headlines on scams: http://www.ftc.gov/

Federal help with credit: www.ftc.gov/credit or call: (877) FTC-HELP

Help from the American Assoc. of Retired Persons with buying a home: http://www.aarp.org/money/wise_consumer/financinghomes/

Free credit reports

Federal law allows you to receive one free credit report each year from each of the three major companies. You won’t find your credit score on these, but you’ll know if someone’s tampered with your credit. Shred all reports after use, as they contain your financial “DNA.”

Call the Annual Credit Report Request Service at: (877) 322-8228. Or visit: www.annualcreditreport.com

Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit if you believe you may be in danger of identity fraud. This is free for 90 days and allows you a free credit report. You need to call only one agency.

Equifax: (800) 525-6285

Experian: (888) EXPERIAN

TransUnion: (800) 680-7289

The latest scams

Free puppies: http://www.creditunion.coop/news/story.php?id=31656