Identity Theft Scam: What You Should Know

Author: Andy Mitchel | Filed under: Identity Theft | Tags: identity theft scam | No Comments »

Many people have been victimized by identity theft scam over the years. Criminals are staying ahead of the curve by discovering new methods to acquire personal information over the phone or the internet. Once they get the information they need, the possibilities are virtually endless with what they can do with it. This includes obtaining money from bank accounts, gaining credit card access, and start new accounts. This is despite the creation of identity theft software that have been made to provide protection against an identity theft scam. However, new viruses are constantly being unleashed to combat these programs.

Online Purchases

Your bank and credit card information must be protected when dealing with transactions online. Do a background check on any websites that you considering buying from to make sure they are verified and have a good reputation. Keep in mind that websites can be created just for identity theft scam. Also check the security of the site. This means looking to see if it’s being monitored and protected. Your social security number shouldn’t be requested very often online, so if it is for whatever reason be very careful who you are giving it to.

After you have completed a purchase online, most of the time you will receive a confirmation number in an e-mail or right away on the site. Keep this information for your records so you can confirm that it’s the same as what you are being charged on your credit card. If they don’t match up, contact the site you made the purchase at as well as your credit card company. Not falling victim to an identity theft scam involves having attention to detail.

Identity Theft Scam Over The Phone

The internet is not the only vehicle used for an identity theft scam. It still happens over the phone as well, though it’s not quite as common. Anytime you receive a phone call and your social security number, credit card numbers, or bank account information is requested, don’t answer them. This information will not be discussed by any legitimate business over the phone. Ask the person on the other side of the line who they are and what company they represent. If you have a caller ID, write down their number. By getting their information, you can take it to the Better Business Bureau or the local authorities.

Report Identity Theft Scams

Victims of an identity theft scam are often times hesitant to report what happened because the feel embarrassed that it happened to them. However, if nobody files complaints then the perpetrators will continue to scam and law enforcement will have a much greater challenge trying to catch them. Anyone can fall prey to an identity theft scam, but the more educated you are about protecting your identity the better chance you have at avoiding one.