Identity Theft and Fraud: Who Can You Trust?
Friday August 17, 2007
A message on your answering machine asks you to return a phone call to your credit card's fraud department. But, like Lori Borgman writes in IndyStar, you might be afraid that the "fraud department" is the real fraud.
With phishing schemers leaving similar answering machine messages, you might wonder if you should return such a call. It might be your creditor warning you that your identity has been stolen. Or, it could be an identity thief baiting you to steal your identity.
So, do you return the call or not?
Lori did, but I suggest you don't. Why? Because it could very well be a scam. I'm a firm believer in "better safe than sorry." Instead, call the customer service number on the back of your credit card and tell them about the message you received. They'll be able to tell you if the call was indeed fraud-related and transfer you to the fraud department for more information.
If your credit card has been lost or stolen, locate a copy of your billing statement or access your account online to get your creditor's contact information.
With phishing schemers leaving similar answering machine messages, you might wonder if you should return such a call. It might be your creditor warning you that your identity has been stolen. Or, it could be an identity thief baiting you to steal your identity.
So, do you return the call or not?
Lori did, but I suggest you don't. Why? Because it could very well be a scam. I'm a firm believer in "better safe than sorry." Instead, call the customer service number on the back of your credit card and tell them about the message you received. They'll be able to tell you if the call was indeed fraud-related and transfer you to the fraud department for more information.
If your credit card has been lost or stolen, locate a copy of your billing statement or access your account online to get your creditor's contact information.
Comments
One of the best ways I know of to keep identity thieves from getting your inforamtion is to have your mail sent to a post office box. Whoever picks up the mail must have a key or combination (or both) to get the mail out of the box. The expense is worth the added security.
If you are going to have your mail delivered to your home and the box is on the street, then make sure that you have a lockable mailbox or anybody can open it and grab what is in there.