You Didn't Win The Lotto: You've Been The Victim of Identity Theft
Another Identity Theft Scam Circulating The Internet
Think identity theft only happens when someone gets your credit card information? Guess again. Let's say you get an email. Supposedly you're the winner of some International lottery. You don't remember entering, but maybe your friend entered you. Or maybe fate has finally blessed you with the recognition you deserve. And maybe I have a bridge to sell you - just use some of those lottery winnings to buy it.
It All Starts With An Email
There really is an email going around that tells people they've won the lottery. It all seems so harmless and legitimate. You call the number and they send you a portion of your lottery winnings along with a form that must be filled out before the check can be cashed. You send the form, cash the check and send the company a check of your own to cover some taxes they said you're responsible for. No big deal, it's coming out of your lottery winnings, right? All you have to do now is wait for the rest of your winnings.
The Con
The problem is the winnings never arrive. In fact, that check you cashed bounced and now your account is overdrawn and you have to give your bank back every penny. Not to mention the fact that your account becomes even more overdrawn when the check you sent for "taxes" is cashed. And then, to add insult to injury, your identity gets stolen thanks to that form you filled out, complete with your name, birth date, social security number and address.
Don't Fall For the Scam
Do yourself a favor and never fall for these scams. Greed can get in the way of good judgment, and it's important that you be on the lookout for these identity theft tactics. If you get an email saying you've won something, don't believe it. No legitimate "lottery" official is going to notify you via email.