Identity Theft Scams That Just Might Get You

Identity theft scams are all over the news almost weekly, it seems. As soon as one identity theft scam is uncovered, the thieves start to put together a new, more creative one. Some identity theft scams are downright scary, even the most cautious of us could fall for them. Here are some of the more creative identity theft scams that have worked well for the thieves.

The Jury Duty Scam

The jury duty identity theft scam is pretty slick in that it preys on our natural fear of going to jail. The perpetrator calls you on the telephone and informs you that he is from the clerk of courts office. He tells you that because you failed to show up for jury duty there has been a warrant issued for your arrest. Of course you didn’t get a summons for jury duty and you tell the caller this. He says he just needs to verify some information from you so that he can check out your claim of not receiving a summons. You are stunned and frightened that there is a warrant for your arrest and readily give the thief all of the information he needs to steal your identity.

This identity theft scam can be avoided by remembering the golden rule of never, ever giving your personal information on the telephone to somebody who calls you. No matter what. You can easily get rid of the caller by telling him that you are on your way out and will stop by the courthouse while you are out today and take care of this. Then ask him his name so that you can ask for him. I’m sure he’ll tell you it’s Santa Clause, but it might be fun to turn the table on him if just for a moment.

The Camera Phone Scam

Some relatively new identity theft scams that involve credit cards and telephones only require you to flash your card in front of somebody who has a cell phone with a camera installed. The thief can snap a photo of your credit card without your knowledge and use this information later to charge it up. Just be aware of your surroundings any time you take out your credit card.

The Red Cross Scam

These identity theft scams are just sickening. A caller targeting spouses of military personnel who are serving in Iraq identifies himself as a Red Cross volunteer. He tells the spouse that their loved one has been injured at war and has been taken to a hospital in Germany. The injured soldier is not conscious and they need to complete the paperwork in order to begin treatment. This identity theft scam preys on husbands’ and wives’ worst fears. Of course they are going to be in shock and give the caller whatever information he needs to save the life of the one they love. Please remember that military personnel sign medical waivers prior to going overseas that allows treatment on such an occasion, and that the military would contact the spouse, not the Red Cross, to inform loved ones of an injured soldier, usually in person.