How Does Identity
Theft And Fraud Happen?
Identity fraud and theft happen when someone obtains
your
personal information. Traditionally, this
happens when your wallet or purse is lost or stolen.
However, there are a number of scams and consumer
schemes that can trick anyone into releasing their
personal information, so you must be on guard at all
times.
There are general red flags to look out for, as well
as popular scams that should also send you running
for the hills. Most scams, whether by phone or
email, are questionable right away because they will
ask for your credit card or Social Security number.
Industry experts say you should never give out this
information unless you make the call yourself or
have verified the identity of the company
representative.
One key thing to remember is that no company,
internet-based or otherwise, will ever ask you for
your account number (unless you're calling or
logging onto the site to access your account) or
your password unless you initiate the call. As well,
if you receive emails that ask you to "log in" via a
link that you do not recognize or to respond
immediately, chances are it is a scam. You should
not respond to these emails at all, even to say
"take me off your list."
The bottom line is, if it sounds too good to be
true, it probably is. Phone calls asking to verify
your credit card number because you won some prize,
emails that say your account is going to be
suspended if you don't respond, and even
government-looking sign in rosters that ask for your
SSN are all frauds and should be avoided like the
plague. |
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