Fraud Alert Archives 2006
Fraud Alert - December 2006
NO PHISHING! Have you been to a mall or shopping center since Thanksgiving? While the crowds and lines waiting to pay are daunting, more commerce is taking place on the Internet.
This increased Internet activity makes for fertile ground for 'phishing', scams that trick e-mail recipients into providing sensitive information to Internet con artists. Crooks are trying to catch you by alerting you to some fraud that might be occurring with your accounts, or to confirm an order that you didn't place.
They count on the fear factor and your flowing adrenaline, in response to the thought that someone is defrauding you, to cause some to respond without thinking.
District Attorney Scott Storey warns shoppers of two recent phishing scams:
- The Social Security Administration has issued a special alert about an e-mail that discusses proposed SSA benefits increases for 2007, and then threatens the suspension of Social Security benefits if personal information is not immediately provided on the supplied phony web link.
- E-mails purportedly from amazon.com, e-Bay, PayPal, etc. list an item you ordered as well as the amount being charged to your credit card, and an opportunity to cancel on a supplied link or form if you did not place the order. Only in canceling the order, do you risk becoming a victim.
Protect yourself:
- Don't panic: the sender wants you to respond without thinking
- Never respond to e-mails or callers asking you to submit personal data.
- Delete e-mails that ask you to confirm information.
- Don't go to a provided link and enter personal information.
- When in doubt, call the District Attorney's Fraud Line, 303-271-6980.
Fraud Alert - November 2006
Reducing Charity Junk Mail
Does it seem like every charity in the world knows you have a big heart and assumes you have deep pockets? The number of charities asking for your money seems almost endless. Although we encourage Americans to be compassionate and generous with charitable giving, we also believe donors have the right to decide to whom they will give and to reduce unwanted charity junk mail. District Attorney Scott Storey recommends that you make an annual charitable giving budget or list and stick to it! Keep your list to a manageable number of charities.
Often, solicitors will try to "guilt" you into sending money by enclosing calendars, address labels, note pads and other incentives along with their plea for your financial support. Don't be guilted into sending money. Keep in mind that it is against the law to demand payment for merchandise you did not order.
Find out about a charity before you donate. Look to see what percentage of your contribution actually goes to services or ask for reports that rate charities at these national charity watchdog Web sites: www.give.org and www.charitynavigator.org. For information on local charities, contact the Better Business Bureau: www.denverbbb.org or 303-222-4444.
To reduce charity junk mail: Register with the Mail Preference Service of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512 or www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance. Members of the DMA's Nonprofit Federation have made a Privacy Promise to adhere to your wishes to be removed from their marketing lists. For a list of members see www.the-dma.org/nonprofitfederation/membership. Most of the major national charities are members.
Call or write to the development directors of charities soliciting you and ask that you want to OPT OUT of list sharing AND that you want no further contact.
Fraud Alert - October 2006
Don't Pay to Win
Buying magazines and other products does not increase your chances of winning. You never have to pay taxes or fees to receive your winnings. Any winnings will be very small and the odds of winning are astronomical.
Participating in Prize Promotions Will Put Your Name on Lists
Con artists buy and sell leads on people who play sweepstakes. If you play, your name may appear on "sucker" or "mooch" lists and you'll be targeted for fraud. To reduce your risk for fraud, stop playing sweepstakes and don't talk to telemarketers ? it's that simple!
Reduce Sweepstakes and Other Junk Mail/E-mail
Send a letter to: Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512, or register online at: www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html
Don't Play Canadian or other Out-of-State Lotteries
It's illegal under federal law to sell and purchase foreign lottery tickets in the U.S. It is also illegal to sell and purchase lottery products over state lines.
Don't Fall for Mailings or Callers which Appear Official
Promoters use mailings with pseudo government logos and official looking statements to persuade you that the promotions are legitimate. Tele-marketers will lie and claim to be a government official or attorney as well.
Keep Credit Card, Bank and Personal Information to Yourself
Never give your credit card number, bank account information, or social security number to anyone who calls or e-mails you, especially if it is to verify your eligibility or to "deposit" your winnings into your account.
Fraud Alert - September 2006
Older adults are living longer than ever. This longevity is unfortunately increasing the incidence of caregiver financial exploitation. Most cases involve family members or trusted associates and can include: taking money or property; forging an older person's signature; and getting an older person to sign a deed or will through deception or coercion.
District Attorney Scott Storey suggests doing your estate planning early. If putting adult children in charge of an estate is a problem, consider hiring a third party - an attorney or a CPA - who is not emotionally attached.
Other preventative steps include:
- Using direct deposit for Social Security checks and retirement benefits.
- Keeping debit/credit cards, checkbooks and other valuables hidden if you have regular visitors to your home or apartment.
- Reviewing your financial statements every month ? especially if someone is paying your bills and managing your accounts.
- Choosing your Power of Attorney with care and setting up a system of "checks and balances" so no one person has complete control.
- Being careful about letting family, friends or tenants live in your house.
- Treating home care workers like employees, not friends.
- Maintaining contact with family, friends, and neighbors. The more active you are, the less likely you are to be exploited.
Fraud Alert - August 2006
Protecting Your Home and Car from Burglars
Home Protection Tips:
- Keep doors, including the garage door, locked at all times - even when you are home or working in the yard.
- Install security doors with metal grillwork and key locks.
- Don't hide keys under the doormat or rocks.
- Secure sliding glass doors with anti-lift devices.
- Close and lock first floor windows at night and whenever you are gone.
- Keep the outside well-lit, including the garage and driveway with motion detector lights and automatic dusk-to-dawn timers.
- Use electric timers to turn on inside lights at night.
- Use visible burglar alarm, neighborhood watch, or "Beware of dog" decals on first floor windows.
Car Protection Tips:
- Lock your car! 50% of stolen cars are unlocked.
- Take your keys with you and never hide a second set of keys in the car.
- Park in well-lighted areas. If you have a garage, use it.
- Never leave the car running and unattended.
- Don't keep purses, checkbooks, briefcases, laptops, etc. in plain view.
- Carry your registration and insurance card in your wallet, not in the car. Once they have your address, thieves can take your garage door opener (and even keys found in cars) and let themselves into your home.
- Consider investing in a car security alarm and/or anti-theft device.
Fraud Alert - July 2006
New Law Allows Credit File Security Freeze
Beginning July 1, 2006 Coloradans can put a security freeze on their credit reports. A freeze means your file can't be shared with potential creditors which can help prevent identity theft. If your files are frozen, even someone who has your name and Social Security number will not be able to get credit in your name.
How do I place a security freeze?
Requests must be in writing and sent by certified mail to each of the three major consumer credit reporting agencies:
|
Equifax Security Freeze |
Experian Security Freeze |
TransUnion Security Freeze |
|
P.O. Box 105788 |
P.O. Box 9554 |
P.O. Box 2000 |
|
Atlanta, GA 30348 |
Allen, TX 75013 |
Chester, PA 19022 |
Include:
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Full name, with middle initial and generation, such as Jr., Sr., III;
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Social Security number
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Date of birth
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Current address and previous addresses for the past two years.
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Copy of a government issued ID, such as a driver's license or military ID
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Copy of a utility bill, bank or insurance statement that displays your name, current mailing address, and date of issue (statement date must be recent).
Do I have to freeze my file with all three credit bureaus?
Yes. Different credit issuers may use different credit bureaus.
Can I open new credit accounts if my files are frozen?
Yes, if you want to open a new credit account, you can lift the freeze for a specific creditor or a specific period of time. When you freeze your files, you will receive a unique PIN from each of the agencies as well as instructions on how to lift the freeze. You can lift the freeze by phone using your PIN and proper identification.
Is there a fee to freeze my credit files?
The initial security freeze is free of charge; however, the temporary or permanent removal of the freeze may cost up to $10 per agency.
How long does it take for the freeze to be in effect and how long does it take for a freeze to be lifted?
Credit bureaus must place the freeze no later than five business days after receiving your written request. A freeze must be lifted no later than three business days after receiving your request.
What will a creditor who requests my file see if it is frozen? Can someone get my credit score?
A creditor will see a message that the file is frozen and will not be able to get your credit score.
Can I order my free credit report if the file is frozen?
Yes, free credit reports are available at www.annualcreditreport.com or
1-877-322-8228.
Can anyone see my credit file if it is frozen?
Yes, certain entities will have access to it. Your report can still be released to existing creditors or to collection agencies acting on their behalf. They can use it to review or collect on your account. Other creditors may use your information to make offers of credit unless you opt out of such offers (see below) Government agencies may have access for child support payments or taxes, for investigating Medicare/Medicaid fraud, or in response to a court/administrative order, subpoena, or search warrant delinquent taxes or unpaid court orders.
Does freezing stop pre-approved credit offers?
No. To stop pre-approved credit solicitations, you need to "opt out" at www.optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-567-8688. It's good for five years or you can make it permanent. You will need to key in your Social Security Number.
Can an employer do a background check on me if I have a freeze on my credit file?
No. You would have to lift the freeze to allow a background check just as you would to apply for credit.
What's the difference between a fraud alert and a freeze?
A fraud alert is a message that tells a potential credit issuer that there may be fraud. A fraud alert can help prevent identity theft and can also slow your ability to get new credit. A freeze means your credit file cannot be seen by potential creditors or employers doing background checks unless you give your consent.
Fraud Alert - June 2006
Door-to-Door Con Artists Target Elderly and Homeowners
The young woman simply walked into 83-year-old Milton's home through his unlocked screen door. She said she was a neighbor who had locked herself out of her home and needed $20 to hire a locksmith. Milton chatted with her and gave her $20. Only much later did Milton realize she had stolen two checkbooks from his home.
Mary, also in her 80s, was puttering in her yard when two men stopped to say they were there to fix her roof. After climbing onto her roof and spraying silver paint, they drove Mary to her bank where she withdrew $2,800 for them.
These traveling con artists hit the Jefferson/Gilpin Counties area in late spring and early summer, preying on homeowners with door-to-door scams. Never allowing anyone into your home you don't know or haven't checked out is the best policy. The District Attorneys Office advises:
- Don't do business with door-to-door contractors.
- Keep all doors, including the garage door, closed and locked at all times, especially when you are outside working in the yard.
- Install security doors with metal grillwork and key locks instead of latched screen doors.
- Don't hide keys under the doormat or rocks.
- Secure sliding glass doors with anti-slide block or slide bolt.
Fraud Alert - May 2006
What Do You Do If Your Social Security Number is Stolen?
The theft of Social Security numbers continues to rise in Jefferson and Gilpin counties. Identity thieves can use your SSN to obtain credit and employment.
They get your numbers from:
What should you do if you're a victim? Act quickly and assertively; keep records and copies of all contacts and reports.
File a report with your local police and get a copy of the report. Or complete the ID Theft Affidavit from the Federal Trade Commission: www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ or 1-877-438-4338.
Request that the credit reporting agencies flag your credit file for fraud
Get your free credit report once a year from each of the three agencies at www.annualcreditreport.com (the official site) or 1-877-322-8228.
Consider subscribing to a credit report monitoring service (available from the credit reporting agencies and insurance providers) that includes fraud-watch e-mails and frequent credit reports.
Request your free SSA Earnings & Benefit Estimate Statement quarterly at www.ssa.gov/mystatement or 1-800-772-1213.
Fraud Alert - April 2006
Phony U.S. Treasury Checks Mailed
Just in time for tax refund season, con artists have mailed out counterfeit copies of U.S. Treasury checks. Denver Metro area banks are reporting an increase in these phony checks. The checks are usually for a large sum of money and indicate they are for an Overtax Refund.
A letter accompanying one check stated, "Upon receiving the check, quickly deposit it into your bank account. The check will clear within 24 hours and tomorrow morning I will send you the details you will need to make the funds available to me. Remember that 10% of this amount will be kept by you for your services and assistance."
This check will not clear, as it is a counterfeit check. If you deposit the check and withdraw funds against it, you may be held responsible for the loss and it could be for several thousands of dollars. Before cashing your tax refund check make sure it is for the amount for which you claimed. If your bank informs you that a check is counterfeit believe them and do not deposit the check!
If you are expecting a tax refund, it is always best to have the refund applied to your bank account electronically rather than have a check sent through the mail.
During tax season, beware of phony e-mails and telephone calls as well that may claim to be from the IRS. One recent fraudulent e-mail stated you have a refund coming and asks that you click on a link to verify your Social Security Number. If you do this, you have just sent your SSN to a crook!
Fraud Alert - March 2006
Your Free Credit Report--Get It!
Everyone in the US is entitled to get free copies of their credit reports from the three major credit bureaus each year. Getting your credit report is as important a guard against ID theft as is checking your account statements.
But use caution when getting your free credit report as some websites and telemarketers are tricking people into paying. Never respond to an e-mail or telephone offer for a free credit report - you may be linked to a bogus site or a crook trying to steal Social Security Numbers. Don't search for the web site by typing in "Free Credit Report" - you may get a site where you'll be baited with a free report but have to buy credit report monitoring or a credit score. If you're asked for your credit card number, it's not free!
www.annualcreditreport.com is the ONLY authorized online source to get a free credit report under federal law. www.annualcreditreport.com is secure, easy to use and free. You can also get your free credit report by telephone by calling 877-322-8228. Follow these tips if using the web site:
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Watch the spelling if you type in the web address - many bogus sites are just one letter away from the official site.
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For maximum benefit, space out your three free reports over the year; this will allow you to see changes that occur over time.
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Print or download your credit report(s) immediately; you may not be able to gain access again for free later.
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After getting your report, quit your browser so no one else can access it.
Fraud Alert - February 2006
How to Prevent Fraud in 2006
Whether approached on the street, at my door or by telephone, I will not talk to strangers!
When making major financial decisions, I will get several opinions from trusted family members and advisors.
No matter how well I know or trust someone, I will not sign legal papers or make an investment that I don't understand or that seems unusual without first checking it out.
I won't carry my Social Security card or checkbook in public; I will keep my wallet in my pocket or a hidden/secure pouch.
I will not keep my purse, checkbook, briefcase, laptop or other personal/financial information in my car.
I will mail checks inside the post office, have my new box of checks sent to my bank/credit union and shred all financial documents with a cross-cut shredder.
I will hire only licensed contractors I have checked out with the BBB, and will not do business with door-to-door solicitors or those asking for a lot of money in advance.
I will not withdraw money from my bank at the suggestion of a stranger who claims I have won the lottery, found a lot of money, or someone claiming to be a bank official.
For assistance call the Fraud Hotline: 303-271-6980
Fraud Alert - January 2006
Detecting ID Theft: The Quicker the Better
To minimize the effects of ID theft, quick self-detection is your best protection.
Monitor your account balances and activity at least weekly. This will help you catch the fraud as early as possible. Access your account through the Internet or by telephone, rather than wait for a paper statement.
If you do not have access to online accounts, review mailed bank and credit card statements monthly. You have 30 days from the date of your bank statement to report check fraud - 60 days to report credit card fraud - and the most for which you will be liable is $50.
Monitor your credit report at least annually. Since it is harder to detect someone using your identity to open new accounts, reviewing your credit report is crucial. You are entitled to a free report each year from the three credit agencies (Equifax, Experian & TransUnion) at a single phone number 1-877-322-8228 or Web site
www.annualcreditreport.com (you can safely order reports online, but do not use any other Web site you may receive.) Space the three reports out over the year instead of getting all three at once.
Consider paying bills online or through automated plans. You can safely pay bills online through secure Internet sites or use automated payment plans. Password-protect your computer and sensitive files; ensure that your computer has a firewall to protect from Internet attacks; regularly update anti-virus/anti-spyware software on your system; keep your computer's operating system security features current, and turn off your computer when not in use.
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Last Modified: Oct 25, 2010 04:46 PM
