Scam targets North Texans

It's unnerving to check your bank account balance and find charges that are not yours. Then the realization sets in - you are a victim of identity theft.

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit organization providing consumer information about data theft, more than 220 million consumer records were leaked last year in nearly 500 separate breaches. Recently, a phishing scam targeted local customers of a North Texas bank.

Ray David, president of Point Bank, which is based in Pilot Point, said the scam targeted the consumers in an effort to obtain their 16-digit debit card numbers. The scam involves an automated voice delivering a myriad of messages, all ending in asking the customer to "press 1" to speak to someone regarding the issue or offer; when the customer presses 1, they are asked for their 16-digit card number and the PIN number associated with that account. The scammer then uses that information to make unauthorized ATM withdrawals.

"Consumers at all local banks were contacted," said David. "It doesn't matter who you bank with - you should be on high alert. Contrary to some reports, these scammers do not distinguish between banks. They simply pick an area code and start dialing every number; they then move to another area code."

The communication method for this particular scam was calls to cell phones. The customer numbers are obtained through a process called "war dialing" - this is when they call number after number. For example: they pick an area code (940 or 972), an exchange (686 or 453) and then the last four (1000, 1001, 1002 ...).

"Banks keep customer information confidential at all times, and banks do not ask a customer for debit card numbers and personal identification numbers over the phone," David said. "We ask that similarly, our customers never give their information out over the phone, and if in doubt, contact their personal banker to further inquire about the issue."

Phishing scams are just one example of identity theft. The Identity Theft Resource Center listed several other examples of scams including requests to invest in businesses that promise a big pay at the end of the transaction, messages asking people to visit a Web site to receive a message and faxes asking people to update online information.

"It's a good practice to use one credit card for all online purchases, booking hotel rooms and buying airline tickets," said Linda Foley, co-founder of the Identity Theft Resource Center. "Anytime you're not physically standing in front of a clerk swiping your card, use the same card. That way, only one credit card is at risk."

How to protect against identity theft*

The Identity Theft Resource Center offers ways consumers can protect themselves, including:

· Install a firewall, anti-spam and anti-virus software to protect information. A firewall implements an access control policy, either allowing or blocking specific outgoing and incoming traffic. When used properly, it can prevent access by unauthorized external attempts to connect to computers. Most anti-spam software programs also identify known spyware, possible malware threats and viruses, which could contain Trojan horses as well. A Trojan is a security-breaking program that is disguised as something benign, such as a screen saver, game or joke. It might send itself to everybody in an e-mail address book or IRC channel, erase or modify files or download another Trojan horse program designed to steal passwords.

· Keep anti-virus, firewall and operating systems updated. Set antivirus software to update daily, so that when it scans it is running with the most recent virus information.

· Be certain of both the source and content of each file download. If it's a Trojan horse virus, the first time it runs in the computer, the computer is already infected.

· Check credit card and bank statements at least monthly for unusual activity. A thief abusing your account will frequently make a charge and wait to see if it goes through unchecked. If it does, they strike again until they're stopped.

· Know what's in your credit report. The Federal Trade Commission suggests that people check their credit report at least once a year. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com for the government-authorized free reports. Look for unusual credit accounts.

· Change the passwords on online accounts. Passwords should include numbers and capital letters. Do not make them the name of a pet, mother's maiden name or easy-to-find information. It's wise not to use the same password for every account and to get in the habit of changing the passwords periodically.

· Limit the use of a debit card, especially when it comes to online purchases. If a thief steals a debit card, he's getting your money out of your bank account. It's more difficult to get your money back once it's gone.

*Source: Identity Theft Resource Center Web site, www.idtheftcenter.org.


What to do if you are a victim

The Federal Trade Commission offers steps victims of identity theft should take:

· Contact the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where you live and file an Identity Theft Report. Victims must obtain a physical copy of the report, not just a case number. This is a critical document required to clear your name.

· Contact all credit issuers, utility companies and collection agencies that have opened a fraudulent account. Speak only to a fraud investigator. Then request to close the account and have the company mail a fraud packet to you to send in along with the police report.

· Get application and transaction records, which will be sent in along with the police report.

· Get letters of clearance from the credit issuers.

· Check credit reports and make sure all corrections have been made.

For information, contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-IDTHEFT, or visit the Bureau of Consumer Protection section at www.ftc.gov/bcp/index.shtml.

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