Consumer Blog
Another day, another phishing scam
As we've discussed many times on this blog, one of the most important ways to prevent ID theft is to never give out your personal information (Social Security, bank or credit card #) to people who contact you. These calls and e-mails are always scams, known as phishing.
Two stories in the Missouri press this week about such ruses: consumers are getting e-mails that appear to be coming from a credit union based in Columbia, and a phone scam using the name of the Red Cross trying to get Social Security numbers. It's important to remember that the premise doesn't matter - Red Cross, bank, eBay, whatever.
The key is not to give such info to people who contact you - they are crooks.
Technorati Tags: Red Cross, id theft, identity theft, phishing, phone scam, scams, social security number, vishing, moagoconsumer, consumer protection
Posted by on June 7, 2007 10:25 am :: Comments (1) :: Permalink
1 Response to "Another day, another phishing scam"
says:
June 16, 2007 5:25 pm
I write extensively on scams, frauds, and con games, and have found that,
far and away, the best phishing method now being used is the complex questionnaire. Can be hidden any number of ways--resume, mortgage application, poll participation, any lengthy legal document.
Look out for the "trap" questions, designed to back you into a corner, and subliminally reveal vital personal information about yourself. Commonly used now.
--Jack Payne
