Identity Theft
Phishing is one of the biggest rackets hitting consumers over the Internet. Consumer Reports Magazine reports that the average victim loses $850 and total marketplace damage exceeds $630 million annually.
Identity theft is the unlawful use of another person's account or identifying information without the owner's permission. Identity theft may take many forms. Common methods of identity theft include credit card or other financial institution fraud, phone or utility service theft, and the taking of government documents or benefits. Federal and state authorities alike have labeled it the country's fastest growing white collar crime since the late 1990's.
Pharming happens when a user is fooled into thinking a web site is legitimate based on how it looks. The user can be fooled into entering sensitive data such as a password or credit card number into the false web site. It is different than phishing in that the attacker does not have to rely on having the user click a link in an e-mail to deceive the user - even if the user correctly enters a URL (web address) into a browser's address bar, the attacker can still redirect the user to a malicous web site.
Want to learn more about fraud and how to protect yourself? Click on http://www.cuu.com/liberty/fraud_series.htm to empower yourself with knowledge and tools to protect yourself against fraud.
The Social Security Administration issued a warning about a new e-mail scam being circulated with the subject , "Cost-of-Living for 2007 Update." The message appears to be from the Social Security Administration and provides information about the benefit increase for 2007. It contains the following, "NOTE: We now need you to update your personal information. If this is not completed by November 11, 2006, we will be forced to suspend your account indefinitely." The reader is then directed to a Web site designed to look like Social Security's Internet Web site. Once directed to the phone Web site, the individual is asked to register for a password and to confirm their identity by providing personal information such as the individual's Social Security number, bank account information, and credit card information.
You should never provide your Social Security number or other personal information over the Internet or by telephone unless you are extremely confident of the source to whom you are providing the information.
To report receipt of this e-mail message or other suspicious activity to Internet Fraud Complaint Center at http://www.ifccfbi.gov/cf1.asp or contact your local law enforcement, UP Postal Inspector or FBI.
Your identity has been stolen, or you suspect may have been stolen . . . now what? Follow these steps as soon as possible to try and head off the thieves and limit your loss.
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