Common Identity Theft Scams You Need To Watch Out For
Be On The Lookout For These Identity Theft Scams
You won a prize! You're being considered for a wonderful job! You've been found to be the relative of a deceased billionaire who left you his fortune! Sound too good to be true? It is. These are the hooks that many identity theft criminals try to lure you in with. If you don't want to fall victim to some of the more common identity theft scams, these are some things you need to watch out for.
The Lottery Winner
You receive a letter or phone call that you've won some foreign lottery. All they need is the name and address to make the check out to, and your social security number (for tax purposes, of course). Don't fall for it.
Many identity theft criminals rely on people's greed to get their foot in the door. If you didn't buy a lottery ticket, you didn't win any lottery and if you did by chance win the lottery, you wouldn't be asked for this personal information over the phone or via email or snail mail.
You're Hired
You put your resume online hoping to land the job of your dreams. An out-of-state company calls you to tell you they'd like to hire you for a fabulous position. They fax you a job application and tax forms. All you have to do is fill them out and return them and you're hired. At least, that's what they want you to believe.
Unfortunately, the company asking for your personal information may be an identity theft criminal with less-than-ethical intentions. Don't ever give your personal information out to a company you don't know. It could land you in the identity theft victim's seat.
You're An Heir (or Heiress)
You get a call that your distant cousin, the Duke of Somewhereville, has left you a million dollars. You just need to provide the caller with your social security number and the routing and account number of the bank account you want your inheritance wired to.
This too, is an identity theft scam. Instead of wiring money in, the criminal takes the money out and then steals your identity to boot. Keep your personal info to yourself. If you do, by chance, become the heir or heiress of a large fortune, get the person notifying you to contact your attorney. It's the only way to be sure the situation is legit.