State Attorney General Tom Corbett brought his Senior Crime Prevention University to Northland Public Library in McCandless on Monday to show older people how to spot and avoid scams.

"If it sounds to good to be true, then it probably is," he said.

His presentation used video and discussions to detail some of the scams con artists will try.

Home improvement scams are high on the list, he said.

"Get at least three estimates and make sure that they have their name and address on the estimates. It should be a legitimate address. Be leery of a P.O. box," he said. He suggested checking with the local Better Business Bureau for references or even checking with his office.

After Mr. Corbett showed a skit from the video, he asked if it was a legitimate service or a scam. While most believed it was a scam, the attorney general pointed out why it wasn't.

"While he may have been rude, he gave her a detailed, written estimate with his phone and address on it and told her about the three-day right to cancel," he said.

He warned against giving a credit card number for any reason in an unsolicited phone call.

"If someone calls and says you won something or ordered something you don't remember ordering, don't give them your credit card information. Don't give it to people you don't know," he said.

Mr. Corbett told audience members they can get a free credit report from each of the major credit companies. "Get a credit check once every four months to see if there are any unapproved charges. Take action immediately if there is a problem," he said.

Mr. Corbett also suggested registering for the do-not-call list. "Charities are still allowed to call and so can politicians," he said.

He identified a common scam as someone calling pretending to be from the Canadian lottery. Before the money can be awarded, the caller says an amount must be paid, usually through a credit card or cashier's check.

"It they tell you there is a condition -- it is a scam," said Mr. Corbett.

An 81-year-old woman in Beaver County fell for this scam, he said, and is now in serious financial trouble.

"She paid more than $61,000 and said she is likely going to lose her home ," he said.

Door-to-door salespeople should also be regarded with suspicion.

"Beware of someone at the door. Never sign a contract without someone you trust looking over it. Also beware of high pressure sales," Mr. Corbett said.

For information on the Senior Crime Prevention University, contact senioruniversity@attorneygeneral.gov. For more information on crime prevention visit www.attorneygeneral.gov or call the Attorney General Hotline, 1-800-441-2555.