Tis the Season for Identity Theft
As the holiday season nears, it seems like identify theft scammers are ramping up their efforts and using every reasonable ploy possible from Obama Care sign-ups, to the current cancer cure promotion, and calls from Microsoft.
As the open enrollment period begins for insurance under the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care), many people are trying to understand how to get insurance under the new law. Nationwide, consumers are reporting that they have received calls and been told that they will go to jail unless they sign up now and were asked for credit card information; others are saying they received calls from people posing as government officials and asked for personal information.
Another scam that was reported by a local woman is that the caller claimed they were from Microsoft and there was a problem with her software. They wanted to “remote in” (connect directly) to her computer. When they did so, they told her there were various viruses on her computer and needed her credit card information to charge her to clean them off her machine. They even went so far as to ask her to call her credit card company to authorize an overseas’ credit card charge to her card.
These people seem genuine. Many times, they have caller ID’s and websites that look like they represent the real companies, but, of course, they do not. Your safest action is not to give out your personal social security card number or credit card information unless you are absolutely sure that the person you are speaking to is legitimate.
Some indications your identity has been stolen include a letter from the IRS stating that you filed one or more tax returns or a letter stating you have a balance due, refund offset or have had collection actions taken against you for a year in which you did not file. Another is if you received wages from an employer you have not worked for.
Here are a list of resources on how to avoid scams and what to do if you believe you have been scammed.
Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft
Tips from the IRS to help protect yourself from identity theft
Your wallet has been stolen or lost
Department of FBI — information on scams and protecting yourself, your family, and your community
How to Protect Your Online Privacy
General Rules from About.com on Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft
And, of course, we are always available to answer questions and help if we possibly can. Don’t hesitate to call us at 559-924.1225.
