Danger Zone: Telephone
The telephone is one of the most often used sources for criminal activity. Here’s how it works. Your phone rings. The caller claims to be from your financial institution, or any other source. They begin asking questions about you and your account. This could be a telephone scam called Vishing. Someone is attempting to steal your identity. And it happens to millions of Americans every year.
Protect yourself from telephone scams
Follow these steps to protect yourself from most types of identity theft telephone scams:
- Never offer personal or account information over the phone without verifying the caller’s identity.
- If you are uncertain of the identity of a caller, hang up and initiate the call yourself using a known phone number.
- DO NOT call any phone number received in a voice message or email asking for personal information. It could lead you to a phony answering system.
- DO NOT store credit or debit card information in your cell phone or on your computer.
- Use a prepaid card instead of a credit/debit card for phone transactions.
- DO NOT share your cards or PIN #'s with anyone.
- If someone is NOT a joint owner on your account, don't let them have your credit/debit card or your phone to make a purchase.
As a general guideline, be highly suspicious anytime you are requested to provide personal information over the phone.
