ScamSafe

Opt-Out of online behavioral advertising

The Network Advertising Initiative Opt-Out Tool was developed for the express purpose of allowing consumers to "opt out" of the behavioral advertising delivered by NAI member companies.

The companies that provide advertising for Websites typically gather data about consumers who view their ads. Often, that data is anonymous - linked only to a numbered "cookie" on a user's computer (a cookie is a small file of data that is stored by websites on your computer through your web browser). Advertising networks collect and analyze this data to make a variety of inferences about each consumer's interests and preferences. The result is a profile that attempts to predict the individual consumer's tastes, needs, and purchasing habits. That profile enables the advertising companies' computers to make split-second decisions about how to deliver ads directly targeted to the consumer's specific interests. The Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) refers to this practice as "Online Behavioral Advertising" or "OBA."

These third-party advertising companies employ cookie and 1x1 pixel.gif (web beacon) technology to measure and improve the effectiveness of ads for their clients. To do so, these companies may use anonymous information about your visits to many websites. This information can include: date/time of banner ad shown, their cookie, and IP address among the data that is collected. This information can also be used for online preference marketing purposes. Information about your visits to such Web sites may be used to provide ads about goods and services of interest to you (or that they think are of interest to you based on your past web browsing).

Using the Opt-Out Tool, you can examine your computer to identify those member companies that have placed an advertising cookie file on your computer. To opt out of an NAI member's behavioral advertising program, simply check the box that corresponds to the company from which you wish to opt out. Alternatively, you can check the box labeled "Select All" and each member's opt-out box will be checked for you. Next click the "Submit" button. The Tool will automatically replace the specified advertising cookie(s) and verify your opt-out status.

Opting out of a network does not mean you will no longer receive online advertising. It does mean that the network from which you opted out will no longer deliver ads tailored to your Web preferences and usage patterns.

The opt-outs are specific to every browser so you must run the tool for every browser you use. The opt-outs will only remain in effect as long as the opt-out cookies it places into your browser's storage still exist. So if you get a new computer, uninstall your browser or delete all the browser cookies, you will have to run the Opt-Out Tool again.

Network Advertising Initiative Opt-Out Tool |  FAQ

EFF Raises Privacy Concerns About AOL Instant Messenger

The new preview version of AOL Instant Messenger raised privacy concerns for us when it was first introduced, first because it started storing more logs of communications and second, because it apparently scanned all private IMs for URLs and pre-fetched any URLs found in them. We met with AOL to discuss how these features work and why the company should take greater care with your data, and we’re happy to say that AOL is promising to make some important changes as a result, especially in response to our second concern.

However, we still recommend that AIM users do not switch to the new version, as it introduces important privacy-unfriendly features. Unfortunately, AOL's moves are in keeping with a general trend toward more pervasive cloud-based services in which your personal chat data is centrally stored in plain text and an easy target for law enforcement and criminals. This shift toward central logging is troubling in many situations, including in chat.  

Conclusion

We appreciate AOL's willingness to discuss these changes with us and we're extremely pleased to see AOL taking some steps to safeguard their users' privacy and give better notice, which only becomes more important as the company moves toward providing more cloud-based services. Nevertheless, we think there’s more AOL should do to respect its customers' privacy and to fully inform them about, and get opt-in agreement to, these significant changes.

Bottom line: Because signing onto the new version of AIM permanently changes your account settings to log all conversations to AOL’s servers by default, we recommend that existing AIM users do not upgrade. As always, we recommend users stay safer online by using chat clients that are compatible with OTR.

More at eff.org

BBB Top Ten Scams of 2011

Better Business Bureau investigates thousands of scams every year, from the latest gimmicks to schemes as old as the hills. Our new Scam Source (www.bbb.org/scam) is a comprehensive resource on scam investigations from BBBs around the country, with tips from BBB, law enforcement and others. You can sign up to receive our Scam Alerts by email, and you can also be a scam detective yourself by reporting scams you’ve discovered. We’ve divided scams up into nine major categories and picked the top scam in each, plus our Scam of the Year. 

Top Job Scam 
BBB sees lots of secret shopper schemes, work-from-home scams, and other phony job offers, but the worst job-related scam can dash your hopes and steal your identity. Emails, websites and online applications all look very professional, and the candidate is even interviewed for the job (usually over the phone) and then receives an offer. In order to start the job, however, the candidate has to fill out a “credit report” or provide bank information for direct deposit of their “paychecks.” The online forms are nothing more than a way to capture sensitive personal data – Social Security number, bank accounts, etc. – that can easily be used for identity theft. And, of course, there is no job, either. 

Top Sweepstakes and Lottery Scam 
Sweepstakes and lottery scams come in all shapes and sizes, but the bottom line is almost always this: You’ve won a whole lot of money, and in order to claim it you have to send us a smaller amount of money. Oh, and keep this confidential until we’re ready to announce your big winnings. This year’s top sweepstakes scam was undoubtedly the email claiming to be from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announcing that the recipient was the winner of $1 million from the popular social networking site. These kinds of scams often use celebrities or other famous names to make their offer seem more genuine. If you aren’t sure, don’t click on the link but instead go directly to the homepage of the company mentioned. If they are really giving away $1 million, there will be some kind of announcement on their website. But don’t waste too much time looking. 

Top Social Media/Online Dating Scam 
On the Internet, it’s easy to pretend to be someone you are not. Are you really friends with all of your “Friends” on Facebook? Do you have a lot of personal information on a dating site? With so much information about us online, a scammer can sound like they know you. There are tons of ways to use social media for scams, but one this year really stands out because it appeals to our natural curiosity…and it sounds like it’s coming from a friend. Viral videos claiming to show everything from grisly footage of Osama bin Laden’s death to the latest celebrity hijinks have shown up on social media sites, often looking as if they have been shared by a friend. When you click on the link, you are prompted to “upgrade your Flash player,” but the file you end up downloading contains a worm that logs into your social media account, sends similar messages to your friends, and searches for your personal data. The next time you see a sensational headline for the latest viral video, resist the urge to peek. 

Top Home Improvement Scam 
Always near the top of BBB complaint data are home improvement contractors who often leave your home worse than they found it. They usually knock on your door with a story or a deal – the roofer who can spot some missing shingles on your roof, the paver with some leftover asphalt who can give you a great deal on driveway resealing. Itinerant contractors move around, keeping a step ahead of the law…and angry consumers. The worst are those who move in after a natural disaster, taking advantage of desperate homeowners who need immediate help and may not be as suspicious as they would be under normal circumstances. A large percentage of BBB’s Accredited Businesses are home contractors who want to make sure you know they are legitimate, trustworthy and dependable. Find one at www.bbb.org/search. 

Top Check Cashing Scam 
Two legitimate companies – Craig’s List and Western Union – are used for an inordinate amount of scamming these days, and especially check cashing scams. Here’s how it works: Someone contacts you via a Craig’s List posting, maybe for a legitimate reason like buying your old couch or perhaps through a scam like hiring you as a secret shopper. Either way, they send you a check for more than the amount they owe you, and they ask you to deposit it into your bank account and then send them the difference via Western Union. A deposited check takes a couple of days to clear, whereas wired money is gone instantly. When the original check bounces, you are out whatever money you wired…and you’re still stuck with the old couch. 

Top Phishing Scam 
“Phishing” is when you receive a suspicious phone call asking for personal information or an email that puts a virus on your computer to hunt for your data. It’s almost impossible to avoid them if you have a telephone or an email account. But the most pernicious phishing scam this year disguised itself as official communication from NACHA – the National Automated Clearing House Association – which facilitates the secure transfer of billions of electronic transactions every year. The email claims one of your transactions did not go through, and it hopes you react quickly and click on the link before thinking it through. It may take you to a fake banking site “verify” you account information, or it may download malware to infiltrate your computer. 

Top Identity Theft Scam 
There are a million ways to steal someone’s identity. This one has gotten so prevalent that many hotels are posting warnings in their lobby. Here’s how it works: You get a call in your hotel room in the middle of the night. It’s the front desk clerk, very apologetic, saying their computer has crashed and they need to get your credit card number again, or they must have gotten the number wrong because the transaction won’t go through, and could you please read the number back so they can fix the problem? Scammers are counting on you being too sleepy to catch on that the call isn’t from the hotel at all, but from someone outside who knows the direct-dial numbers for the guest rooms. By the time morning rolls around and you are clear-headed, your credit card has been on a major shopping spree. 

Top Financial Scam 
In challenging economic times, many people are looking for help getting out of debt or hanging on to their home, and almost as many scammers appear to take advantage of desperate situations. Because the federal government announced or expanded several mortgage relief programs this year, all kinds of sound-alike websites have popped up to try to fool consumers into parting with their money. Some sound like a government agency, or even part of BBB or other nonprofit consumer organization. Most ask for an upfront fee to help you deal with your mortgage company or the government (services you could easily do yourself for free), and almost all leave you in more debt than when you started. 

Top Sales Scam 
Sales scams are as old as humanity, but the Internet has introduced a whole new way to rip people off. Penny auctions are very popular because it seems like you can get something useful - cameras, computers, etc. – for way below retail. But you pay a small fee for each bid (usually 50₵ to $1.00) and if you aren’t the winner, you lose that bid money. Winners often are not even the top bidder, just the last bidder when time runs out. Although not all penny auction sites are scams, some are being investigated as online gambling. BBB recommends you treat them the same way you would legal gambling in a casino – know exactly how the bidding works, set a limit for yourself, and be prepared to walk away before you go over that limit. 

Scam of the Year 
Yep, it’s us – the BBB phishing scam. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of people have gotten emails that very much look like an official notice from BBB. The subject line says something like “Complaint Against Your Business,” and the instructions tell the recipient to either click on a link or open an attachment to get the details. If the recipient does either, a malicious virus is launched on their computer…a virus that can steal banking information, passwords and other critical pieces of information needed for cyber-theft. BBB is working with security consultants and federal law enforcement to track down the source of these emails, and has already shut down dozens of hijacked websites. Anyone who has opened an attachment or clicked on a link should run a complete system scan using reputable anti-virus software. If your computer is networked with others, all machines on the network should be scanned, as well

What to Do if You Got Taken by 12 Daily Pro Scam

Do you have money in 12 Daily Pro (or StormPay) and don’t know what to do? Go here: Truston Identity Theft Blog. 

Tags: 12DailyPro, 12+Daily+Pro, Fraud, Ponzi, StormPay

Consumer Protection: It's the Name of the Game! For National Consumer Protection Week 2006

Agencies in U.S. and Canada Promote Education, Awareness, and Partnerships

The Federal Trade Commission has launched the eighth annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), February 5-11, 2006, in cooperation with federal, state, and local agencies, and national advocacy organizations committed to consumer protection and education. At the Canadian Embassy today, the FTC, with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Postal Service’s Consumer Advocate, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, PhoneBusters, and Canada’s Competition Bureau announced their commitment to combat cross-border fraud as part of NCPW. The FTC also unveiled the “Grand Scam Challenge,” online, interactive games that teach consumers about topics such as identity theft, the National Do Not Call Registry, and spam.

New identity theft law put into effect (NC)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A new North Carolina law that went into effect Thursday will make it more difficult for identity thieves to operate.

The Identity Theft Protection Act, signed last fall by Gov. Mike Easley, will allow consumers to put a security freeze on their credit reports to prevent identity thieves from opening accounts and generating credit using stolen information.

from News 14 Carolina

New Identity Theft Laws Go Into Effect Over Next Two Months

November 28, 2005 – North Carolina and New Jersey both have strong, new identity theft laws that are set to go into effect. The North Carolina law will go into effect this coming Thursday and New Jersey’s law will be effective on January 1, 2006. Both laws give consumers a broad range of new protections. But both laws are also vulnerable to a proposed federal law misnamed the Data Accountability and Trust Act, which overturn certain provisions of the new state laws.

Both the New Jersey and North Carolina laws will allow consumers to place a freeze on their credit file. This is widely believed to be the only way to stop identity thieves in their tracks. Consumers who freeze their credit file are required to provide a Personal Identification Number (PIN) when applying for credit.

from GuardMyCreditFile

Checked your homeowners policy lately?

Many homeowners insurance policies provide identity fraud insurance. So check your discosure and see what you get. And if you get a renewal disclosure, double check your ID theft coverage again. My renewal showed that Travelers broadened my coverage significantly this year. For example, they eliminated the deductible, increased the lost wages component, and several other benefits. And for those with renters insurance, check your disclosure for ID fraud coverage as well.

California Bankers Association Helps you Avoid Identity Theft

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 15, 2005--In an effort to help protect California's holiday shoppers from identity thieves, the California Bankers Association (CBA) today announced the launch of its identity theft prevention campaign.

"The California Bankers Association wants to help people protect themselves against thieves and fraudsters," said CBA president and CEO Janet W. Lamkin. "We have chosen the holiday shopping season to educate consumers because this is the time of year so many identity thieves choose to strike -- when consumers are caught up in and distracted by the frenzy of holiday shopping."

Legislation update

This is an update on the rights consumers have regarding identity theft and what legislation has passed or is pending. Several states passed laws in just the last couple of weeks.

Security freezes: Things are changing fast here. As of today. residents of four states — California, Louisiana, Texas, Vermont — have the right to freeze access to their credit reports. To use this law, consumers generally must write — and often send a fee — to each of the three major credit bureaus, asking them to deny access to their credit reports. Without access to credit reports, lenders will not grant credit, and that stops identity thieves. (To unfreeze a credit report, consumers must use a personal identification number.)

Residents of additional states — Connecticut, New Jersey, Colorado, Maine, Illinois, Nevada and Washington — will have the ability to freeze credit reports within months, thanks to laws passed this year. Specific instructions on how to place a credit freeze on a California consumer's file can be found at www.privacy.ca.gov .

Fraud alerts: All U.S. citizens have the right to place a 90-day fraud alert on their credit file, requiring banks to take extra steps to verify their identity before issuing credit. This is no where close to a guarantee; you have no way of knowing which creditors will look at the alert and what they'll do if they see it.

Longer fraud alerts, lasting up to seven years, can be placed on files by identity theft victims who can provide the credit bureaus with a copy of a report from police or the state department of motor vehicles verifying the theft.

Credit reports: Federal law also provides the right to one free credit report each year. (Unfamiliar items on a consumer's credit report are often the first telltale sign of identity theft.) Anyone wanting a report, or wanting to know when they can receive one, can call (877) 322-8228 or go to annualcreditreport.com.

Pre-approved offers: Federal law allows consumers to opt out of pre-approved credit card offers. To opt out, call (888) 567-8688.

Notification: Fifteen states, including California, have laws on the books requiring companies to notify consumers when they lose track of their personal information, exposing them to identity theft, Smith said. The other states, which passed their laws this year, are Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Washington. California law requires disclosure of only electronic data breaches, not loss of paper records.

You can help shut down job scams

Ok, readers. I've received thousands of emails (yes, thousands) from people that were victimized or have observed the bogus job postings on the job web sites. You know, the work-at-home, check cashing, & international shipping scams.

Now you can do something about it--at least on careerbuilder.com. I received an email from them today with directions on what to do (see the end of this post).

IF YOU NOTICE A BOGUS JOB POSTING THAT YOU SUSPECT IS A SCAM, CONTACT CAREERBUILDER.COM AT THE INFORMATION THEY PROVIDE BELOW.

Now we need Monster and the others to step up like careerbuilder has. And, despite this response from careerbuilder, we all should be intrepid and make sure careerbuilder.com actually shuts down these bogus postings FAST.

Careerbuilder.com, thanks for your response...and we are watching. Readers--by keeping an eye on careerbuilder and reporting bogus job postings, you will actively be helping someone else out there in the world. Your time is appreciated.

--Tom, Editor, ScamSafe.com

[Here's the email...]

"Dear Editor of Scamsafe.com,

We are writing you in regards to the information that you are telling people on your web site and this specific quote that was used in regards to job boards "(The job boards continue to aid and abet international crime rings. )".  Careerbuilder.com does not endorse international crime rings or aid them in taking advantage of unsuspecting jobseekers or customers.  In fact we at careerbuilder.com have established an actual team of specialists called the Site Integrity Team that prides itself in protecting our users and using various methodologies to prescreen any kind of questionable opportunities that fraudulent users try to put on the careerbuilder.com web site.  As we know that you have a different perspective on this matter we would appreciate you giving people a place to contact the Site Integrity Team either by email at csi@careerbuilder.com or by phone at 1-866-438-1485 x3099.  Again we appreciate what you do for your users and ask that you cooperate with us and allow us to assist you in any kind of questionable matters that may arise in regards to the careerbuilder.com web site.

Sincerely,

The CareerBuilder.com Site Integrity Team
1-866-438-1485 x3099
csi@careerbuilder.com"

What is FDIC-Insured?

Many consumers mistakenly assume that FDIC* insurance must protect them from a fraud or theft if the funds were taken from an insured account. But by law, deposit insurance only protects your accounts up to $250,000 (was $100,000) if your insured bank or savings institution fails.

*=Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Midwest Consumers Get Free Credit Reports

Midwest Consumers Get Free Credit Reports -- What to Know  Before You Get Yours

A new federal law, known as the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, or FACTA, was adopted by Congress in 2003 and gives consumers nationwide the right to receive a free copy of their credit report. The law is being phased in through the U.S., starting on the West Coast on December 1, 2004. Now individuals living in the Midwest can receive their reports as of March 1, 2005. By September 1, 2005, consumers east of the Midwest region will get the same right as the law is rolled out across the country.

Starting March 1, consumers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin are entitled to one free copy of their credit report annually from each of the nationwide credit bureaus.

With access to credit reports free of charge, individuals can more readily monitor reports to learn if they are victims of identity theft or if their credit reports contain errors. Often, errors on a credit report cause consumers to pay higher interest rates for credit. A recent survey by US PIRG found a high degree of inaccuracies in credit reports.

Consumers can request their free credit reports through a web site, www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling toll-free 877-322-8228

The PRC suggests that consumers stagger their free reports over the course of a year by ordering one report every four months. Thus, consumers can monitor their credit throughout the year to alert them to possible identity theft.

For more information about free credit reports in the Midwest see privacyrights.org

Investment Fraud tips

Investment Fraud tips:

• If an investment firm claims it can double your money (or more) in a short time, it is a scam.
• You should never give cash to someone for an investment. Reputable businesses want you to have records of your transactions.
• If you are told that there is a rumor about two companies planning to merge so now is the time to purchase lots of stock in these companies, go to a reputable source and find out if there is any truth to this information.
• When making an investment, always have a knowledgeable third party look over the information.
• Never accept a verbal contract.
• Always check an investment firm's track record. In CA, call the Department of Corporation's toll-free number (866) ASK-CORP (275-2677), between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or go to www.corp.ca.gov

Ohio Attorney general offers ID card to help identify theft victims

CLEVELAND -- By January, identity theft victims will be able to get ID cards from the state of Ohio to show creditors, banks and police while they try to recover from financial losses or crimes others committed using a victim's personal information.

Attorney General Jim Petro introduced the wallet-size Theft Verification Passport cards Tuesday.

from ONN

Federal Law provides A FREE CREDIT REPORT

Beginning December 1, 2004, if you live in California or "Western states", you will be able to get a free copy of your credit report once a year from the three nationwide companies that compile these financial profiles. This right will be phased in nationwide, but goes into effect first in the western states.

These consumer credit reports compiled by Equifax, Experian and Trans Union reflect where you live, how you pay your bills, whether you've been sued or filed for bankruptcy. The reports affect whether you can get a loan or credit card - and how much you will have to pay to borrow money. These reports also can affect your ability to get a job, rent a home or obtain insurance.

Because of its significance, you will want to make sure the reports contain accurate, complete and up-to-date information before you apply for a loan for major purchases such as a house, a car, insurance, or apply for a job.

Checking these reports also can help combat identity fraud since you will be able to spot if someone has opened unauthorized accounts in your name or there have been delinquent payments reported for purchases you didn't authorize or didn't even know were made.

Once every 12 months, you may order your reports from one, two or all three of the nationwide consumer reporting companies, separately or at the same time. One way to make the most of this opportunity is to order a report from just one of the three credit bureaus, then wait four months to order a report from another and, four months later, order a report from the third credit bureau. By repeating this process annually, you can monitor your credit report regularly, at no cost.

Use one of the following centralized systems developed by the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies to order your credit report.

Internet: WWW.ANNUALCREDITREPORT.COM

Toll-free number: ( 8 7 7 )   3 2 2 - 8 2 2 8

Mailing Address:
ANNUAL CREDIT REPORT REQUEST SERVICE
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

Check 21: Check Clearing for the 21st Century

Details about the newly effective check clearing system in the U.S.

The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (Check 21) was signed into law on October 28, 2003, and became effective on October 28, 2004. Check 21 is designed to foster innovation in the payments system and to enhance its efficiency by reducing some of the legal impediments to check truncation. The law facilitates check truncation by creating a new negotiable instrument called a substitute check, which permits banks to truncate original checks, to process check information electronically, and to deliver substitute checks to banks that want to continue receiving paper checks. A substitute check is the legal equivalent of the original check and includes all the information contained on the original check.

For more info, see the Federal Reserve Board's Consumer Guide to Check 21 and Substitute Checks.

Inside the dark art of phone fraud

By Lea Thompson
Dateline NBC

I've been covering phone fraud for years and every time I try to tackle one of these criminal chameleons I am struck by how ruthless they are. Many are phone gangsters. They work in gangs, they are very tough and they are extraordinarily elusive. Their victims are often the most vulnerable and the least able to take the monetary or the emotional hit.

It is hard to explain how clever and sophisticated these guys are unless you can infiltrate them with hidden cameras or catch them somehow in the middle of their crime...

It's astounding how often people get taken in these phone schemes. The FBI estimates losses from telemarketing fraud emanating just from Canada exceed $100 million a year. That may be a low figure because victims often don't report the crimes because they are too embarrassed or they never do realize they have been taken.

Sellers run risk of identity theft when selling on eBay

A rhinestone jewelry reseller treasured the significant sales she was making on eBay until an identity thief trashed her account. They dragged her rhinestone reputation through the mud by selling a John Deere tractor for $19,000, among other things, under her screen name.

As a powerseller, the woman, who did not want to be identified, said she was popular with customers.

from The Daily Times

Credit Bureaus Shun Identity Theft Weapon

NEW YORK - Little by little, a weapon against identity theft is gaining currency - but few people in the United States know about it.
It's called the security freeze, and it lets individuals block access to their credit reports until they personally unlock the files by contacting the credit bureaus and providing a PIN code.

from AP Wire

DISASTER ALERT- REDUCING IDENTITY THEFT OPPORTUNITIES

The Identity Theft Resource Center wishes to alert the public of several potential identity theft-related situations that might arise from a natural or man-made disaster. This information is based on observed criminal behavior in disaster situations. It is unfortunate but thieves do take advantage of all natural and man-made events. It is important that no one assumes that they are victims of identity theft if information is missing. It could be so badly destroyed by the disaster that NO one could read it again.

New law offers help for ID theft victims

Free credit reports, more useful fraud alerts and less frustration for victims are all great. But Congress could have done much, much more to protect the public as it revised the law.

Congress’ recent update of the Fair Credit Reporting Act wasn’t the hideous train wreck it could have been. The new rules actually provide some significant protections to identity-theft victims in most areas of the country.

Unfortunately, the reforms may turn out to be a step backward for residents of California, Texas and some other states that have much tougher laws in place. And lawmakers could have done a lot more to attack the real reason behind identity theft’s huge rise: lax practices by lenders.

from MSN

Anti-identity theft freeze gaining momentum

The security freeze on your credit file (which is different from an "alert") is not for everyone. But it offer the most protection possible from identity theft--at a price. See the FAQ for more about freeze and alerts. Also note that freezes are only available in California, Texas, Louisiana & Vermont. --ScamSafe Editor

NEW YORK (AP) -- Little by little, a weapon against identity theft is gaining currency -- but few people know about it.

It's called the security freeze, and it lets individuals block access to their credit reports until they personally unlock the files by contacting the credit bureaus and providing a PIN code.

The process is a bit of a hassle, and the credit-reporting industry believes it complicates things unnecessarily.

from CNN

7 tips to protect yourself from phishing scams

Although complete prevention is virtually impossible, there are some logical precautionary measures that both consumers and corporations can take in an attempt to reduce the potential of being conned by phishing scams. Here are 7 tips to protect yourself, from Fraud Watch International

1. SPAM Filters
Effective SPAM filters can reduce the number of fraudulent and malicious emails consumers are exposed to. SPAM filters can be applied at the Internet Service Provider's email gateway, or as software on the user's computer. It is recommended that both filters be applied to all emails.

2. Anti-Virus Software
To protect against Trojan and worm attacks, anti-virus software can detect and delete virus files before they can attack a computer. It is important to keep all anti-virus software up to date with vendor updates.

3. Personal Firewall
Firewalls can monitor both incoming and outgoing Internet traffic from a computer. This can protect the computer from being hacked into, and a virus being planted, and can also block unauthorized programs from accessing the Internet, such as Trojans, worms and spyware.

4. Padlock & “https://”
When submitting sensitive financial and personal information on the Internet, look for the locked padlock on the Internet browser's status bar or the “https://” at the start of the URL in the address bar. Although there is no guarantee of the site's legitimacy or security if they are present, the absence of these indicates that the web site is definitely not secure.

5. Links in emails
Consumers should not click on hyperlinks within emails that are apparently from a legitimate company. Instead, directly type in the URL in the Internet browser address bar, or call the company on a contact number previously verified or known to be genuine.

6. Update Software
Always ensure operating and browser software is kept up to date using legitimate upgrades and patches issued by the software vendor. This can help protect against known security issues within some software.

7. Education
Internet Fraud methods are evolving at a rapid rate. Consumers need to be aware they are vulnerable as fraudsters are persuasive and convincing; many victims thought they were too smart to be scammed. Consumers should educate themselves on Internet Fraud, the trends and continual changes in fraudulent methods used. FraudWatch International offers consumer education as a free service to the Internet community.

Freezing your credit file in California

Important information for California consumers

California residents have the option of "freezing" their credit file. A security freeze means that your credit file cannot be shared with potential creditors, insurance companies or employers doing background checks. A security freeze can help prevent identity theft. Most businesses will not open credit accounts without checking a consumer's credit history first. If your credit file is frozen, even someone who has your name and Social Security number would probably not be able to get credit in your name (it is NOT a guarantee however). This security freeze is different than a fraud alert. It came about from the California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act, Penal Code Sections 1785.1 - 1785.36

Should I get a security freeze on my file?
ScamSafe does not recommend that everyone use a security freeze, since it can be a substantial inconvenience at times. It depends on your situation. However, it does provide the strongest protection for you if you are an identity theft victim or suspect that you may be. If the fear of ID theft is keeping you awake at night, your best bet may be a credit monitoring service (available on this web site), although that costs more.

How do I enable a security freeze?
To freeze your credit file, you have to write to all three of the credit bureaus. You must give them information to identify yourself. A security freeze is free for identity theft victims with a police report of identity theft. The charge for placing the freeze is $10. The freeze stays on until you end it. There is no charge for ending the freeze. The fee for lifting the freeze temporarily is $10 for a date-range lift and $12 for a lift for a specific creditor. The request must be sent by certified mail. The addresses and sample letters for the three credit bureaus can be found here: Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. Give your first name, middle initial and last name, with Jr., etc. Give your home address, your Social Security number and your birth date. You may pay by check, money order or credit card. If paying by credit card, give name of card, account number and expiration date. Experian apparently requires two proofs of residence. A proof of residence may be a copy of your driver's license, a copy of a utility bill, or a copy of a bank statement.

How do I contact the credit bureaus by telephone?
You can get current information on security freezes from the credit bureaus. Call them at the numbers listed below. Equifax 800-685-1111; Experian 888-397-3742 [Select the option to hear California Notice of Rights]; Trans Union 888-909-8872 (this is the special freeze line).

How is a fraud alert different from a security freeze?
A fraud alert means that a special message is placed on the credit report that a creditor receives when checking a consumer's credit rating. It tells the creditor that there may be fraud involved in the account. A fraud alert can help protect you against identity theft--but does not guarantee that the creditor will act in a certain way. A fraud alert can also slow down your ability to get new credit. It should not stop you from using your existing credit cards or other accounts. The three credit agencies use a fraud alert in this way:
· Experian: The fraud alert tells creditors to verify the identity of the person applying for credit.
· Equifax: The alert tells the creditor to call the consumer at a given phone number before issuing new credit.
· Trans Union: The alert may say either to verify identity or to call the consumer at a given number.

How do I open new credit accounts if my file is frozen?
If you want to open a new credit account or get a new loan, you can lift the freeze on your credit file. You can lift it for a period of time. Or you can lift it for specific creditors. After you send your letter asking for the freeze, each of the credit bureaus will send you a Personal Identification Number (PIN). You will also get instructions on how to lift the freeze. You can lift the freeze by phone, using your PIN. The credit bureaus must lift your freeze within three days. The fee for lifting the freeze temporarily is $10 for a date-range lift and $12 for a lift for a specific creditor.

How long does it take for a security freeze to take effect, and to be lifted?
Credit bureaus must place the freeze no later than five business days after receiving your written request. Credit bureaus must lift a freeze no later than three business days of receiving your request.

What will a creditor who requests my file see if it is frozen?
A creditor will see a message, or a code, indicating that the file is frozen.

Can a creditor get my credit score if my file is frozen?
No. A creditor who requests your file from one of the three credit bureaus will only get a message, or a code, indicating that the file is frozen.

Can I order my own credit report if the file is frozen?
Yes.

Can anyone see my credit file if it is frozen?
When you have a security freeze on your credit file, certain entities still have access to it. Your report can still be released to your existing creditors or to collection agencies acting on their behalf. They can use it to review or collect on your account. Other creditors may also use your information to make offers of credit-unless you opt out of receiving such offers. See below for how to opt out of pre-approved credit offers. Government agencies may have access for collecting child support payments or taxes or for investigating Medi-Cal fraud. Government agencies may also have access in response to a court or administrative order, a subpoena, or a search warrant.

Do I have to freeze my credit file with all three credit bureaus?
Yes. Different credit issuers may use different credit bureaus. If you want to stop your credit file from being viewed, you need to freeze it with Equifax, Experian and Trans Union.

Will a freeze lower my credit score?
No.

Does freezing my file mean that I won't receive pre-approved credit offers?
No. You can stop the pre-approved credit offers by calling 888-5OPTOUT. This will stop most of the offers, the ones that go through the credit bureaus. It's good for two years or you can make it permanent.

Source: California Bureau of Consumer Affairs, Office of Privacy Protection

How phone companies enable fraud

ScamSafe has been reporting on a work-at-home check cashing scam (operating under various names, i.e. Xian Energy, Nextdayfinance, PureXian.biz). In the past we commented on how job web sites post ads for these thieves and thus enable their crimes--even after being notified that these are illegal operations. Another culprit is the phone companies which provide the telephone and fax lines. Dick Hambrice, a victim of this crime ring, has been doggedly trying to shut them down by contacting job boards, web hosters and telephone companies.

Dick reports, "The Compton phones (for Nextdayfinance) belong to PacWest Telecom. I emailed them a couple of weeks ago letting them know about the criminal enterprise using them. Their reply was 'This information is being sent to our customer who the number is leased out to. They will investigate and take the appropriate actions. Thank you, Network Operations Security.'" Dick continues, "I called the numbers this morning and they are still working."

It appears that PacWest is asleep at the wheel, while thousands of consumers are being ripped off by this international crime ring. Shame on PacWest--and whichever company is leasing their lines.

Reporting check cashing & other Internet scams

ScamSafe has been contacted by a number of victims of the check cashing work-at-home scams asking what they should do. So we contacted the FBI and this is what we were told.

"Anyone who responded to these fraudulent schemes--whether you lost money or not--should file an online report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). Your report will be analyzed and disseminated to the appropriate federal, state and local law enforcement to help ensure a coordinated investigation. Anyone who lost money should also report the matter to law enforcement, whether it be the local FBI office* or Police Department."

Also, if you lost money, wired money or gave out your account number, you should contact the fraud department of your bank and probably close the account immediately. Although checking or savings accounts don't have the same protections against fraud as credit cards, your bank may provide recompense for lost funds--it's worth asking. And you'll need a police report to back up your claims.

* To find your local FBI field office go to www.fbi.gov.

Reporting check cashing & other Internet scams

ScamSafe has been contacted by a number of victims of the check cashing work-at-home scams asking what they should do. So we contacted the FBI and this is what we were told.

"Anyone who responded to these fraudulent schemes--whether you lost money or not--should file an online report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). Your report will be analyzed and disseminated to the appropriate federal, state and local law enforcement to help ensure a coordinated investigation. Anyone who lost money should also report the matter to law enforcement, whether it be the local FBI office* or Police Department."

Also, if you lost money, wired money or gave out your account number, you should contact the fraud department of your bank and probably close the account immediately. Although checking or savings accounts don't have the same protections against fraud as credit cards, your bank may provide recompense for lost funds--it's worth asking. And you'll need a police report to back up your claims.

Stolen Wallet Can Lead to Stolen Identity

As the summer vacation season approaches, a former master forger -- and leading fraud prevention expert -- warns the theft of your wallet or purse may be the first step in the theft of your identity.

"Pickpockets used to get their money by using stolen credit cards right away before a theft could be reported," Frank W. Abagnale, Jr. warned. "But now, some of these thieves are using a stolen wallet or purse as the first step in stealing someone's identity.

"Here's how the scam works: After stealing your wallet, a thief goes to a pay phone and calls your home to report finding your wallet and offers to return it shortly thereafter. While you wait, the thief uses information from your wallet and credit cards. You may get your wallet back, but the thief makes a lot more money by stealing your identity."

from Yahoo!

Stolen Wallet Can Lead to Stolen Identity

As the summer vacation season approaches, a former master forger -- and leading fraud prevention expert -- warns the theft of your wallet or purse may be the first step in the theft of your identity.

"Pickpockets used to get their money by using stolen credit cards right away before a theft could be reported," Frank W. Abagnale, Jr. warned. "But now, some of these thieves are using a stolen wallet or purse as the first step in stealing someone's identity.

"Here's how the scam works: After stealing your wallet, a thief goes to a pay phone and calls your home to report finding your wallet and offers to return it shortly thereafter. While you wait, the thief uses information from your wallet and credit cards. You may get your wallet back, but the thief makes a lot more money by stealing your identity."

from Yahoo!

Single-use credit-card numbers help fight identity theft

NEW YORK - Cyberspace shopper Roger So relies on a 16-digit tool to prevent his personal information from being stolen: a single-use credit-card number.

When shopping online, the 52-year-old information-technology consultant periodically uses this randomly generated number - provided by his credit-card issuer, Citigroup Inc. - in place of his actual account information because, he said, it "gives me one more line of security."

"I use it primarily with merchants that I'm dealing with for the first time," said So, a resident of Morristown, N.J.

FULL STORY from Tucson Citizen [pop up]

Single-use credit-card numbers help fight identity theft

NEW YORK - Cyberspace shopper Roger So relies on a 16-digit tool to prevent his personal information from being stolen: a single-use credit-card number.

When shopping online, the 52-year-old information-technology consultant periodically uses this randomly generated number - provided by his credit-card issuer, Citigroup Inc. - in place of his actual account information because, he said, it "gives me one more line of security."

"I use it primarily with merchants that I'm dealing with for the first time," said So, a resident of Morristown, N.J.

from Tucson Citizen

New wrinkle in ID theft

Struggling with declining health and relying on an oxygen tank to breathe, 81-year-old John Braithwaite of Salt Lake City would like nothing better than to spend his late retirement years relaxing with his wife.

Instead, Braithwaite is consumed by a need to restore his once-perfect credit record after becoming a victim of a new kind of identity theft.

Most people think of identity theft as a crime that occurs when a crook steals a person's entire identity -- their name and Social Security number -- to make fraudulent purchases.

But Braithwaite is among a growing number of victims whose good credit is hijacked by thieves who use their own names with other people's Social Security numbers.

from Salt Lake Tribune

New wrinkle in ID theft

Struggling with declining health and relying on an oxygen tank to breathe, 81-year-old John Braithwaite of Salt Lake City would like nothing better than to spend his late retirement years relaxing with his wife.

Instead, Braithwaite is consumed by a need to restore his once-perfect credit record after becoming a victim of a new kind of identity theft.

Most people think of identity theft as a crime that occurs when a crook steals a person's entire identity -- their name and Social Security number -- to make fraudulent purchases.

But Braithwaite is among a growing number of victims whose good credit is hijacked by thieves who use their own names with other people's Social Security numbers.

from Salt Lake Tribune

Anti Fraud Website to Alert Consumers to Possible Insurance Scams

WASHINGTON, May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid growing concern that consumers could be duped by scam artists selling health insurance, America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) announced the launch of a new public service announcement (PSA) television campaign and website designed to shine a spotlight on the problem of phony health insurance plans.

The ad, entitled "Empty," shows viewers the reality of a consumer having to find $15,000 to pay for hospital bills because the phone for the scam company's help line is sitting in an empty office because the company no longer exists. It directs viewers to www.avoidfraud.org, a website with basic tips that can help consumers avoid getting scammed, while also linking them to other relevant sources of information including the websites of their local state regulatory authorities like the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Recently, in a study commissioned by the Senate Finance Committee, the General Accounting Office (GAO) estimated that just in the past 3 years, more than 200,000 fake policies have been sold across the country leaving over $250 million in unpaid medical bills.

from Yahoo!

Anti Fraud Website to Alert Consumers to Possible Insurance Scams

WASHINGTON, May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid growing concern that consumers could be duped by scam artists selling health insurance, America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) announced the launch of a new public service announcement (PSA) television campaign and website designed to shine a spotlight on the problem of phony health insurance plans.

The ad, entitled "Empty," shows viewers the reality of a consumer having to find $15,000 to pay for hospital bills because the phone for the scam company's help line is sitting in an empty office because the company no longer exists. It directs viewers to www.avoidfraud.org, a website with basic tips that can help consumers avoid getting scammed, while also linking them to other relevant sources of information including the websites of their local state regulatory authorities like the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Recently, in a study commissioned by the Senate Finance Committee, the General Accounting Office (GAO) estimated that just in the past 3 years, more than 200,000 fake policies have been sold across the country leaving over $250 million in unpaid medical bills.

FULL STORY from Yahoo! [pop up]

FRAUD ALERT: Calif. Atty General warning on Medicare fraud

Attorney General Lockyer says California consumers should check the facts before buying prescription drug discount cards now authorized by Medicare to avoid paying for empty promises. The Attorney General also warned consumers to be alert for fraudulent solicitations that have appeared in other states.

Before buying a drug discount card, California consumers should find out if the card is approved by Medicare and will cover drugs actually being taken by the consumer. Consumers also will want to determine how much they would likely save since the card may not be right for all consumers - such as middle-income seniors in health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or low-income consumers in the Medi-Cal program who already receive drug price discounts.

Deceptive or unfair practices by discount drug card sellers should be reported to the Attorney General Office. Complaints can be filed using the on-line complaint form at ag.ca.gov/consumers or by writing to the Attorney General's Public Inquiry Unit, P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento, CA 94244-2550.

FRAUD ALERT: Calif. Atty General warning on Medicare fraud

Attorney General Lockyer says California consumers should check the facts before buying prescription drug discount cards now authorized by Medicare to avoid paying for empty promises. The Attorney General also warned consumers to be alert for fraudulent solicitations that have appeared in other states.

Before buying a drug discount card, California consumers should find out if the card is approved by Medicare and will cover drugs actually being taken by the consumer. Consumers also will want to determine how much they would likely save since the card may not be right for all consumers - such as middle-income seniors in health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or low-income consumers in the Medi-Cal program who already receive drug price discounts.

Deceptive or unfair practices by discount drug card sellers should be reported to the Attorney General Office. Complaints can be filed using the on-line complaint form at http://ag.ca.gov/consumers or by writing to the Attorney General's Public Inquiry Unit, P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento, CA 94244-2550.

FULL STORY from the CA Atty General's alert page [pop up]

Increasing Number of Identity Theft Victims Find Culprit in Own Family

In the time it will take for you to read this report, 39 consumers will become victims of identity theft.

While most victims never know the crook, a study says 17 percent do - they're family members or relatives.

'Charlie' is just a teen, but he is already a victim of identity theft. He found the culprit - his mom.

from WAVY-TV

Increasing Number of Identity Theft Victims Find Culprit in Own Family

In the time it will take for you to read this report, 39 consumers will become victims of identity theft.
While most victims never know the crook, a study says 17 percent do - they're family members or relatives.

'Charlie' is just a teen, but he is already a victim of identity theft. He found the culprit - his mom.

FULL STORY from WAVY-TV [pop up]

Maine man's fight against identity theft a slow one [Portland,ME]

GARDINER — Steve Dunn spent more than a year trying to convince collection agencies that he didn't write or sign three checks bearing his name and address. "It was quite a surprise to get a bill in the mail saying, 'Your check was no good,' " Dunn said. "I had no account with that bank and no checks with that account number."

Dunn, a senior consumer specialist with the Public Utilities Commission, disputed the allegation immediately and enlisted the aid of the Office of Consumer Credit Regulation to help him file a formal complaint of identity theft, fraud and forgery.

from Press Herald

Maine man's fight against identity theft a slow one [Portland,ME]

GARDINER — Steve Dunn spent more than a year trying to convince collection agencies that he didn't write or sign three checks bearing his name and address. "It was quite a surprise to get a bill in the mail saying, 'Your check was no good,' " Dunn said. "I had no account with that bank and no checks with that account number."

Dunn, a senior consumer specialist with the Public Utilities Commission, disputed the allegation immediately and enlisted the aid of the Office of Consumer Credit Regulation to help him file a formal complaint of identity theft, fraud and forgery.

FULL STORY from Press Herald [pop up]

"419", "Advance Fee Fraud" and "Nigerian Schemes"

"419" fraud has been around since at least the early 1980's, usually run under the noses of or with the complicity of Nigerian governments. It is also called "Advance Fee Fraud," the "Nigerian Connection," "Nigerian Letter" scams or just "Nigerian Fraud". The name 419 comes from the relevant section of the Nigerian criminal code. There has been a huge increase in the number of fraud attempts recently, partly because of the use of spam email. The annual losses from these schemes are into the hundreds of millions each year. Overall, billions of dollars have been taken from businesses and consumers. And at least one victim was murdered.

This is how 419 schemes typically work:

* An individual or company receives an email, letter, or fax from an alleged "official" representing a foreign government or agency (or via an Internet chat room);
* An offer is made to transfer millions of dollars into your personal or business bank account;
* You are encouraged to travel overseas to complete the transaction;
* You are requested to provide blank company letterhead forms, banking account information, telephone/fax numbers, etc.;
* You receive numerous documents with official looking stamps, seals and logo testifying to the authenticity of the proposal;
* Eventually you must provide up-front or advance fees for various taxes, attorney fees, transaction fees or bribes;
* The correspondance stresses the confidential nature of the transaction;
* In almost every case you are told the situation is urgent;
* Sometimes the criminals say they are acting on behalf of a charity;

The fraudulent business proposals presented are usually one of these:

* Transfer of funds from over invoiced contracts
* Disbursement of money from wills
* Contract fraud (C.O.D. of goods or services)
* Purchase of real estate
* Conversion of hard currency
* Sale of crude oil at below market prices
* Reshipment of merchandise (stolen goods)

If you feel you have been a victim of any of these schemes contact your local field office of the U.S. Secret Service for help.

"419", "Advance Fee Fraud" and "Nigerian Schemes"

"419" fraud has been around since at least the early 1980's, usually run under the noses of or with the complicity of Nigerian governments. It is also called "Advance Fee Fraud," the "Nigerian Connection," "Nigerian Letter" scams or just "Nigerian Fraud". The name 419 comes from the relevant section of the Nigerian criminal code. There has been a huge increase in the number of fraud attempts recently, partly because of the use of spam email. The annual losses from these schemes are into the hundreds of millions each year. Overall, billions of dollars have been taken from businesses and consumers. And at least one victim was murdered.

This is how 419 schemes typically work:

* An individual or company receives an email, letter, or fax from an alleged "official" representing a foreign government or agency (or via an Internet chat room);
* An offer is made to transfer millions of dollars into your personal or business bank account;
* You are encouraged to travel overseas to complete the transaction;
* You are requested to provide blank company letterhead forms, banking account information, telephone/fax numbers, etc.;
* You receive numerous documents with official looking stamps, seals and logo testifying to the authenticity of the proposal;
* Eventually you must provide up-front or advance fees for various taxes, attorney fees, transaction fees or bribes;
* The correspondance stresses the confidential nature of the transaction;
* In almost every case you are told the situation is urgent;
* Sometimes the criminals say they are acting on behalf of a charity;

The fraudulent business proposals presented are usually one of these:

* Transfer of funds from over invoiced contracts
* Disbursement of money from wills
* Contract fraud (C.O.D. of goods or services)
* Purchase of real estate
* Conversion of hard currency
* Sale of crude oil at below market prices
* Reshipment of merchandise (stolen goods)

If you feel you have been a victim of any of these schemes contact your local field office of the U.S. Secret Service for help.

For more information, see this 419 alert from the U.S. Secret Service.

Source: U.S. Secret Service web site

How to Avoid Drug Discount Card Scams

As the Medicare-approved discount card programs began marketing to beneficiaries on May 3rd, AARP warns consumers to guard themselves against the potential of fraud.

If you choose to enroll in a Medicare-approved discount card, first verify the company with Medicare before you sign up. You can do this by going to www.medicare.gov, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Here are some important things to remember:

-- No one is allowed to sell Medicare-approved drug discount cards by phone or door-to-door.
-- You cannot sign up for a card by phone or on-line.
-- No legitimate company selling the discount card will ever ask you to give your Social Security number, Medicare number, credit card number, or bank account information.
-- You can only sign up by calling a Medicare-approved provider of the drug discount card. They will just ask you for your name and address so that they can send you an application (where you will need to provide your Social Security and Medicare number before sending it back). They will not ask you to provide other information by phone.

There are several steps that you can take to protect yourself against these scams:

-- Never give out or confirm personal information to anyone who calls or e-mails you. Con artists may pose as a company you do business with, as a government official, or someone else in authority. They will ask you for information - in fact, this is how identity theft often happens. Remember: no legitimate company will ever contact you and ask for your Social Security or Medicare number, or your credit card of bank account information.
-- Don't forget the power you have to simply hang up the phone when a stranger calls trying to sell you something you don't want.
-- For your own safety, don't allow anyone you don't know into your home. It's OK to tell someone they cannot come in. It's easier to close the door on them before they get in than to get them out once they're inside.
-- If you choose a Medicare-approved discount card to enroll in, check the company out with Medicare before you sign up. You can do this by going to www.medicare.gov, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Once in the "Medicare Improvements" section, press "0" to reach an operator.
-- If you signed up for any card claiming to be a Medicare-approved drug discount card before May 3, chances are that it's fraudulent. Report it immediately.
-- If you suspect that a con artist has approached you, report it! Call your state Attorney General or local police

Report fraudulent Medicare drug cards

-- Call the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. By phone: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477), By E-Mail: HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov, By TTY: 1-800-377-4950.
-- Contact your State Attorney General.

AARP has a website (www.aarp.org) and a phone number (1-888-OUR-AARP) to give you information to help you understand your Medicare and prescription drug choices. A booklet that explains the changes in Medicare, titled "Medicare Changes That Could Affect You," is also available by calling 1-888-OUR-AARP.

AARP Warns Consumers to Avoid Drug Discount Card Scams

This post is much longer than usual folks, because the information is so important for protecting seniors from fraud. --ScamSafe Editor.

As the Medicare-approved discount card programs began marketing to beneficiaries on May 3rd, AARP warns consumers to guard themselves against the potential of fraud.

If you choose to enroll in a Medicare-approved discount card, first verify the company with Medicare before you sign up. You can do this by going to www.medicare.gov, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Here are some important things to remember:

-- No one is allowed to sell Medicare-approved drug discount cards by phone or door-to-door.
-- You cannot sign up for a card by phone or on-line.
-- No legitimate company selling the discount card will ever ask you to give your Social Security number, Medicare number, credit card number, or bank account information.
-- You can only sign up by calling a Medicare-approved provider of the drug discount card. They will just ask you for your name and address so that they can send you an application (where you will need to provide your Social Security and Medicare number before sending it back). They will not ask you to provide other information by phone.

There are several steps that you can take to protect yourself against these scams:

-- Never give out or confirm personal information to anyone who calls or e-mails you. Con artists may pose as a company you do business with, as a government official, or someone else in authority. They will ask you for information - in fact, this is how identity theft often happens. Remember: no legitimate company will ever contact you and ask for your Social Security or Medicare number, or your credit card of bank account information.
-- Don't forget the power you have to simply hang up the phone when a stranger calls trying to sell you something you don't want.
-- For your own safety, don't allow anyone you don't know into your home. It's OK to tell someone they cannot come in. It's easier to close the door on them before they get in than to get them out once they're inside.
-- If you choose a Medicare-approved discount card to enroll in, check the company out with Medicare before you sign up. You can do this by going to www.medicare.gov, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Once in the "Medicare Improvements" section, press "0" to reach an operator.
-- If you signed up for any card claiming to be a Medicare-approved drug discount card before May 3, chances are that it's fraudulent. Report it immediately.
-- If you suspect that a con artist has approached you, report it! Call your state Attorney General or local police

Report fraudulent Medicare drug cards

-- Call the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. By phone: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477), By E-Mail: HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov, By TTY: 1-800-377-4950.
-- Contact your State Attorney General.

AARP has a website (www.aarp.org) and a phone number (1-888-OUR-AARP) to give you information to help you understand your Medicare and prescription drug choices. A booklet that explains the changes in Medicare, titled "Medicare Changes That Could Affect You," is also available by calling 1-888-OUR-AARP.

Calif. Seniors Against Investment Fraud Program to Give Presentations

California Department of Corporations Celebrates ''Older Americans Month''

May 2004 Designated as Older Americans Month; Department's Seniors Against Investment Fraud Program (SAIF) is Critical Resource to Older Americans as They Live Longer, More Active Lives

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 30, 2004-- In celebration of Older Americans Month in California, the Department of Corporations' Seniors Against Investment Fraud (SAIF) program announced today that it will give at least 30 presentations statewide throughout the month of May to help educate older Californians about how to identify and avoid fraud schemes that are often targeted at them. It is estimated that between 75 and 100 seniors will attend each SAIF presentation.

Established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services in 1963, Older Americans Month aims to recognize and celebrate older Americans who are living longer, healthier and more productive lives. This year's theme is "Aging Well, Living Well." President Bush is also expected to proclaim May as Older Americans Month nationwide.

"During Older Americans Month, we celebrate with Californians who are living longer, more active lives," said Corporations Commissioner William P. Wood. "Californians want and deserve financial security after retirement. Unfortunately, older populations have increasingly become targets for investment fraud. The SAIF program can help protect seniors against devious fraud schemes. I strongly urge all older Californians to learn all they can about SAIF and follow the guidelines before making a financial investment."

A list of scheduled SAIF presentations for the month of May, "Older Americans Month," is attached. Please contact SAIF at 916-445-1349 to confirm dates and locations.

from Yahoo

Calif. Seniors Against Investment Fraud Program to Give Presentations

California Department of Corporations Celebrates ''Older Americans Month''

May 2004 Designated as Older Americans Month; Department's Seniors Against Investment Fraud Program (SAIF) is Critical Resource to Older Americans as They Live Longer, More Active Lives

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 30, 2004-- In celebration of Older Americans Month in California, the Department of Corporations' Seniors Against Investment Fraud (SAIF) program announced today that it will give at least 30 presentations statewide throughout the month of May to help educate older Californians about how to identify and avoid fraud schemes that are often targeted at them. It is estimated that between 75 and 100 seniors will attend each SAIF presentation.

Established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services in 1963, Older Americans Month aims to recognize and celebrate older Americans who are living longer, healthier and more productive lives. This year's theme is "Aging Well, Living Well." President Bush is also expected to proclaim May as Older Americans Month nationwide.

"During Older Americans Month, we celebrate with Californians who are living longer, more active lives," said Corporations Commissioner William P. Wood. "Californians want and deserve financial security after retirement. Unfortunately, older populations have increasingly become targets for investment fraud. The SAIF program can help protect seniors against devious fraud schemes. I strongly urge all older Californians to learn all they can about SAIF and follow the guidelines before making a financial investment."

A list of scheduled SAIF presentations for the month of May, "Older Americans Month," is attached. Please contact SAIF at 916-445-1349 to confirm dates and locations.

FULL STORY from Yahoo! [pop up]

How to avoid or deal with a house moving scam

Moving scams help:

+ Contact MoveRescue, a moving industry resource for consumers affected by moving scams, go to www.moverescue.com or call (800) 832-1773.

+ The American Moving and Storage Association provides consumers with moving tips and a mover referral service. For information, go to www.moving.org or call (703) 683-7410.

+ MovingScam.com, a free help Web site, is at www.movingscam.com.

+ The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides moving information at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/factsfigs/moving.htm. Consumers may file complaints by calling FMCSA's 24-hour toll-free hotline at (888) 368-7238 or online at www.1-888-dot-saft.com.

How to avoid or deal with a moving scam

+ Contact MoveRescue, a moving industry resource for consumers affected by moving scams, go to www.moverescue.com or call (800) 832-1773.

+ The American Moving and Storage Association provides consumers with moving tips and a mover referral service. For information, go to www.moving.org or call (703) 683-7410.

+ MovingScam.com, a free help Web site, is at www.movingscam.com.

+ The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides moving information at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/factsfigs/moving.htm. Consumers may file complaints by calling FMCSA's 24-hour toll-free hotline at (888) 368-7238 or online at www.1-888-dot-saft.com.