SALT LAKE CITY — The new year may bring new resolutions for Utah consumers, but crooks will remain focused on using old scams to trick new victims into giving up their money and valuable personal information, officials warn.

The Utah Division of Consumer Protection announced six fraud scams that are expected to be among the most prevalent in the coming year targeting consumers and their wallets.

"We want to educate the public. While you are busy celebrating 2016, con artists are making resolutions to find new victims to pitch old frauds and steal your hard-earned money," said Francine Giani, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce.

Despite the increasing development of technology, many of the most sinister frauds being committed these days are conducted via the telephone, she said. Scammers are smart and will try to gain the trust of a potential victims or attempt to use fear as a way to get someone to give them sensitive information.

Don't fall prey to these tactics, Giani warned. "Talk to someone you trust if you are questioning these phone calls."

Fraudsters are also using public media outlets to gather useful information on prospective victims in an effort to gain an advantage.

"Social media is a great thing, but it can also be a hindrance because there are people out there trolling the Internet looking for information (to exploit)," she said.

Giani said that the best defense from becoming a victim of a fraud scam is being cautious and vigilant about keeping personal information away from unsolicited callers who contact you. Similar to how you learn "don't talk to strangers" as a child, the same advice can be very useful as adults, particularly when it comes to personal information and money, she said.

"Be aware that these schemes continue to circle the state and remember, an educated consumer is a con artists' worst nightmare," Giani said.

6 consumer scams

1. Dubious debt collectors — This typically involves a telephone message from someone who claims to work with your utility company, a political survey or a call for jury duty attempting to pressure consumers to take immediate action either by paying an overdue bill or giving up personal information.

2. Phony IRS phone calls — Callers claim you owe back taxes and better pay up or face an arrest warrant or worse. Since the Internal Revenue Service typically sends inquiries or contacts taxpayers by mail, this is almost certainly a scam. Contact the IRS directly to find out the real story.

3. "Hello? Computer con artist calling!" — The phone rings and the caller claims they are from a computer or software company and need to help you update your personal computer or "fix" a problem on your machine. These callers attempt to get your passwords, load malicious software or reveal personal information. Do not cooperate. Contact a trusted computer company if you have questions.

4. Social media family scams — Late night phone calls alert your relative that a family member has landed in jail in a foreign country and needs bail money sent immediately through Western Union, Green Dot or other money transfer service. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media can provide everything a fraudster needs to trick an unsuspecting relative into pulling out their wallet. If you get a distressing call about a loved one, contact your family first before responding to anyone with such claims.

5. Bank or Credit Card "Smart Chip" Offers — New federal bank card and credit card regulations mean consumers need "smart chip" cards to shop in stores nationwide. Con artists may try to fool consumers into paying money for a new card or demand an account number or personal information via email, text or telephone. Contact your card issuer directly if you receive a suspicious communication.

6. Alarm company security "upgrades" — A technician rings your doorbell claiming to be from your alarm system company and needs to "upgrade" your equipment right away. What many don't realize is that this technician is really your alarm company's competitor and you will end up with two alarm company contracts. Call your alarm service provider to report the visit and verify any equipment upgrades.

Visit consumerprotection.utah.gov to file a complaint or find out more information about fraud scams.

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