| Bloomfield,
CT 06002 |
|
September
26 2005 |
| |
Watch
Out!
Here is a new identity theft scam that is sweeping the country.
Don't fall for it!
Identity thieves are trying new tactics. Don't fall for it. You
may receive a phone call from someone saying that he/she is a
court official proclaiming that there is a warrant for your arrest
because you failed to show up for jury duty.
This is a scam where you can lose your money and identity. U.S.
Attorney Kevin J. O'Connell announced this week that a "jury
duty scam" has been sweeping the country in recent weeks. It
has touched down in Connecticut where I reside.
Federal clerks in Connecticut have received inquiries from
individuals who have received the calls.
Here is how the scam works: The identity thieves call and inform
the prospective victim that he or she failed to show up for jury
duty. An arrest warrant has been issued When the victim says he
never received a jury duty call, then the identity thief ask for
personal information, they want to know birth and Social Security
numbers for alleged "verification purposes." Don't fall
for it. Report it to the clerk of the nearest federal court.
In addition to this scam, don't answer the doorbell to suspicious
strangers. On the police blotter in a police station in
Connecticut, a 66-year-old female answered her door and was
greeted by a white female. She said she wanted to drop some items
off to her neighbor. She wanted to leave the items with the woman.
While she was speaking, the doorbell rang again another female
came into the home. About $130 was taken in cash and a strong box
had been pried open.
If you have anything suspicious that happens around your house,
contact your local police department immediately.
Another police department revealed that a 75-year old male
reported that a male knocked on his front door claiming to be a
UPS delivery person with a delivery.
He asked to use the phone and was allowed into the house and he
used the phone. He asked for $7 for the delivery. When the man
took out his wallet, the man took $200 from his wallet and the
thief then ran off.
If we are prepared as consumers, these identity thieves will not
get away with this. Ask your police department about starting a
"Neighborhood Watch" in your neighborhood. |
| |
Cynthia
Bercowetz (consumreye@aol.com)
Author/Consumer Advocate
22 Oak Lane
Bloomfield, CT 06002
Phone : 860-243-2208 |
|