Internet & Scams, like peanutbutter & jelly

There are many, many con-artists lurking the internet. Their level of sophistication has eclipsed the ubiquitous Nigeria Business Proposal e-mail.  Although we have learned to delete unsolicited emails, con-artists have adjusted their game plan.  Beginning with basic information that can be found on an internet phone database or in an article published online, a con artist can develop very sophisticated scam targeting specific people.  For example, inheritance scammers now research a person's genealogy to find a real relative on which they develop their charade.  These scammers will make personal phone calls and send counterfeit documents evidencing a large estate that has yet to be claimed.  What do they want?  They want two things.  First, they want personal forms of identification, your driver's license and passport, which they can use or sell.  Second, they want money, either directly or from your bank accounts.  The typical inheritance scam makes money by having you send a retainer to an attorney who is supposedly handling the estate.   

Scams like these work on the basic principal that you, as a good and smart person, are willing to pay money to help someone else or to help yourself.  No one is 100% immune to these scams.  Recently, con-artists have successfully targeted large law firms by posing as overseas clients.  The con-artist will send a large retainer or settlement check to be deposited into the trust account, and then promptly demand a refund.  Unfortunately, the cashiers check was a fake.

So, what do you do if you have fallen prey to scam? This depends on how much information you gave out.

• Social Security Number
• Check to see if your number is being used by someone else.  You can do this by contacting Social Security and requesting that they review your reported earnings.  Also, you can review the earnings reported on your annual Social Security statement. 
• If you find that your Social Security Number is being used by someone else, notify the Federal Trade Commission and file a compliant with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov).
• As a last resort, you can ask Social Security to assign you a new number.  Because so many public and private institutions use your social security number as an identifier, changing your number may not solve your problems. 
• Banks Accounts
• If you have given out your bank account information, immediately notify your bank.  If possible, inform them of the date and amount of the last transaction you actually authorized.
• If your account has been tampered with, close the account and then open a new account.
• Place passwords on the new accounts that you open.
• If your social security number has also been stolen, contact the three consumer credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, Transunion) and place an initial fraud alert on your credit reports.
• Credit Cards 
• As with your bank accounts, immediately contact the institutions which issued your credit cards.  
• The credit card company will then assign a new number to your account and issue you new cards. 
• If someone has used your personal information to have a credit card issued to them, then you need to file a complaint with your local police department for identity theft, contact the Federal Trade Commission, and notify the consumer credit reporting agencies.

With all of theses situations, closely monitor your account statements and report any irregularities to the corresponding institution. 

FTC - Consumer Fraud Survey

The Federal Trade Commission conducted a survey of Internet consumer fraud complaints.  Although the survey is from 2007, the frauds and scams are still prevalent.  Here are some of the results:

The top 10 frauds listed in the report include:

• Fraudulent Weight-Loss Products (4.8 million victims)
• Foreign Lottery Scams (3.2 million victims)
• Unauthorized Billing - Buyers Clubs (3.2 million victims)
• Prize Promotions (2.7 million victims)
• Work-at-Home Programs (2.4 million victims)
• Credit Card Insurance (2.1 million victims)
• Unauthorized Billing - Internet Services (1.8 million victims)
• Advance-Fee Loans (1.7 million victims)
• Credit Repair Scams (1.2 million victims)
• Business Opportunities (.8 million victims)

A common theme of these scams is requiring an up-front payment.

Scam Alert - Texas A.G. Warns of Japan Aid Scams

Similar to scams during the New Orleans and Haiti disasters, there are phone and Internet scams seeking donations for relief efforts in Japan.  Con-artists look for an opportunity to take advantage of a willingness to help others in a time of need.  Make the most of your money and check out the organization before you give.  Here are some tips from the Texas Attorney General:

• Ensure the relief organization is legitimate. Ask for credentials.
• Call the charity directly and confirm that the solicitor is actually working for that organization.
• Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion and short on descriptions about how charitable contributions will aid the recovery effort.
• If it is a "high-pressure" pitch, be wary.
• Never give a credit card or bank account number to an unknown solicitor.
• Write a check to the charity directly - not the soliciting individual - and get a receipt.

The best course of action is to be proactive.  Seek out and research a charitable organization to support, don't respond to those who contact you.

Central Texas Personal Injury Trial Lawyers: Crash: You're in a Car Accident. What are you supposed to do next?

Central Texas Personal Injury Trial Lawyers: Crash: You're in a Car Accident. What are you supposed to do next?