Thanks to technology, identity theft is at an all-time high in the United States. Scams range from the old fashioned rummaging through trash to a more high-tech scam of skimming with a device placed over an ATM magnetic strip reader. Carding is a process of obtaining card numbers and running them through websites with real-time transaction processing and hoping for a successful charge. Tele phishing is where scammers obtain a list of individuals with names and phone numbers luring victims into thinking they are speaking with an organization such as a bank or credit card company.
Account takeover takes place when a person first gathers personal information about a victim, then contacts their card issuer and impersonates the cardholder. They would than tell the card services technician that they are moving and need to change the address on the card and that a replacement card needs to be sent. At that time they may even ask to set up a new pin. They are then free to use the card until the rightful owner discovers the deception. By that time, the account may have been drained.
There are many things you can do to help prevent Identity Theft.
*First, check your account frequently. If you are aware of your charges daily, misuse of your account is much less likely to be significant.
*Second, NEVER share your PIN number or passwords.
*Third, Obtain your free credit report annually. Visit annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. You do not need to contact the three nationwide credit reporting companies individually, they are providing free annual credit reports only through the website, calling the toll free number or mailing your request to Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta GA 30348-5281
Finally, if you ever notice odd charges on your account, call your financial institution immediately! We don’t always see a problem before you do. If you notice a problem and we can confirm it, we can take action before it gets out of hand and drains your account.
