Identity Theft on the Internet

The internet is making it easier than ever for crooks to steal your identity by tricking people into handing them their personal information through phishing scams

We're inundated with identity theft. It's been around for some time now, but continues to be reported on as more and more incidents occur. As consumers are increasingly using the Internet for job searches, shopping, online banking, etc...it's making it easier on thieves to acquire your identity. All they need is your name and Social Security number.

And they get this information by "phishing" for it. Phishing is the term used for trying to fraudulently obtain sensitive and personally identifiable information.

Phishing has become rampant on the Internet because it's easy to do and people fall for it. These scams can come in the form of online auctions, emails disguised to look like they're coming from your bank, or fake job offers. Some scammers "dumpster dive" to get at your identity information. All documents containing account numbers, your Social Security number or credit card "pre approvals" should always be shredded before going into your recycle bin.

Dodgy "posers" come in all kinds of flavors: bank employees, online auction representatives, telemarketers, email spammers, government agents or even law enforcement.

Don't call us, we'll call you

Sometimes those phishing for your personal data will call and present themselves as a representative from a company you normally do business with or as a member of a government agency (like the FBI or FDIC). They'll ask for your personal information or immediate payment on a bill you might owe. Politely say you're busy right now and ask them for a number you could call them back at. Then find another number for the company or agency, call them and ask if the call was genuine. We're confident the call was bogus.

If our confidence turns out to be misplaced and the call is valid, then any legitimate company or agency won't mind waiting for you to call them back.

More Information on how to fight Identity Theft