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by Brother Carlton

09/18/15
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Identify theft has become an increasing problem in today's society especially when there is an economic crisis and money is hard to come by or when there is high unemployment. During such times there is an increase in con artists who are out perfecting their criminal tactics and trying to scam people out of what money they have.

You might remember the 2002 film Catch Me If You Can, starring Leo DiCaprio who played Frank W. Abagnale. Frank was a master at stealing identities — successfully posing as an airline pilot, an attorney and a doctor — all before the age of 21. After cashing millions in fraudulent checks, getting caught and serving jail time, he switched teams and for the past 40 years has been advising the FBI on how to outsmart the bad guys.

QUESTION 1

Convicted con artists have said the trick to scamming people is to "get them under the ether." What does that mean?

Tricking you into giving up private information

Finding ways to trigger your emotions

Convincing you that they are official or legit

Making you think they are someone you know

When con artists get you under the ether they are playing on your emotions to get what they want.

your money. They do this by triggering an emotional response such as fear, greed, urgency.

For instance, they may try to scare you by posing as an IRS agent and demand that you pay unpaid taxes over the phone or else.

Or they try to excite you by saying you've won a prize but first you must pay a fee. They know that if your emotions are heightened you are more likely to fall for the scam.

So what should you do? Answer: Hangup and call the firm or company to verify the facts

QUESTION #2

Where is the most dangerous place to use a debit card?

Gas stations

Restaurants

Online shopping

All of the above

There are actually six risky places you should never use a credit card.

1. Gas stations

2. Online

3. Restaurants

4. Retail stores

5. Big ticket items

6. Deposits

While debit and credit cards may look the same there are some differences. For example credit card users who spot fraud are only liable up to $50 regardless of the amount charged but debit card users are responsible up to $500 and only have two days to report unauthorized debit card charges. Also with debit cards if you wait more than 60 days to report a fraudulent charge you could be liable for the full amount.

NOTE: Keep an eye on your accounts and be careful when using these pieces of plastic.

QUESTION #3

What's the first thing you should do to protect yourself from identity theft if your wallet gets stolen?

Report it to the police and ask for a copy of the police report

Place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit report

Monitor your accounts closely

Order a new card

If your wallet has been stolen your might think your first course of action is to call your bank but here is what you should do first. Call the police and report the theft. It is unlikely that the police will investigate a lost or stolen wallet nevertheless it is vital to get a copy of the police report confirming the loss so that you can protect yourself from fraud. You should send copies of the report to your credit card companies and the credit reporting bureaus incase someone tries to steal your identity or use your credit card.

QUESTION #4

What makes a person more vulnerable to fraud?

Their behaviors, such as failing to monitor their bank accounts, failing to shred documents, or creating weak passwords online

Negative life events, such as losing a job, feeling lonely or losing money

Both

Neither

Risky online behaviors and negative life circumstances can make you more vulnerable to fraud Just like a weakened immune system can lower your resistance to disease negative life events lowers your resistance to fraud. So if you or someone you know is having financial difficulties

has lost a job or is simply short on money be very careful when responding to an email from somebody you don't know or when you click on a pop up ad or when you sign up for a free trial offer.

Con artists will often ask you for personal information, an upfront fee to claim your prize or freebie but before you dive in step back and check it out carefully.

QUESTION #5

What's the best way to protect your Social Security number?

Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet

Never reveal your Social Security number over the phone

When asked for your Social Security number on some forms, leave it blank

All of the above

Your social security number is very valuable to con artists. It is one of the quickest and most common ways for them to steal your identity and your money so protect it like it is gold. Keep your social security number in a safe place and never reveal your number to anyone that you don't absolutely trust either in person, over the phone or on non-official forms.

Keep in mind that your social security number is required on forms related to taxes and federal loans, by employers, banks and lenders, government programs and for stock and property transactions. If anyone else asks for your social security number ask them if you can provide an alternative number such as your birth date, zip code or a portion of your driver's license.

Identify theft has become an increasing problem in today's society especially when there is an economic crisis and money is hard to come by. During such times there is an increase in con artists who are out perfecting their criminal tactics and trying to scam people out of what money they have.

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