Cornell Cooperative Extension

Steuben County
identity theft and scams

Identity Theft and Scams

Links from the video:

Filing a false unemployment claim

Identity theft recovery steps

Monitor your Credit Report

Freeze your credit report:  Transunion  Experian   Equifax

Eight Rules for Shutting Down Hackers

If you actually suspect a COVID scam could be at play, watch for these warning signs. Don’t share your personal information and always monitor your accounts for unexpected or suspicious activity.

  1. Update your software. Older versions of programs aren’t up-to-date with the latest security protocols and can leave you vulnerable to attack.
  2. Change your passwords. Especially if you tend to use the same password for multiple accounts, they should be changed. At a certain point, it’s impossible to remember all your passwords, which is where a password manager can come in handy.
  3. Don’t save your credit card or other personal details on sites you frequently visit. Yes, it’s a pain to enter your information anew every time you make a purchase, but it’s an important step that can keep your information safe in the event of a hack.
  4. Be cautious of links. This includes links you may receive in an email, or links you find on social media. Make sure anything you click on is from a trusted, reputable source.
  5. Only use trusted Wi-Fi networks. When you need to send an urgent email or secure that final bid on eBay, it can be very very tempting to hop onto the closest wifi network, even if it’s unsecured. Don’t. These networks are where scammers can gain access to your personal information.
  6. Use two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication is something you can set up for most any account you may have, including email and social media. (This is when you receive a secure code to a phone or email address in order to gain access to an account.)
  7. Limit personal sharing. We already went over how you shouldn’t share pictures of your vaccination card. Likewise you shouldn’t share details on your next vacation, the kind of credit card you use, the new house you just bought, or anything else that can give scammers the access they might need to steal your identity.
  8. Monitor your information. This means using a paid identity theft protection service, and/or requesting copies of your credit report regularly. If a problem arises, you want to be able to head it off and dispute it ASAP. 

Source: Jean Chatzky  https://hermoney.com/

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Scammers cash in on confusion over vaccine verification methods

by Colleen Tressler, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

More than a year into the pandemic, and months after the first rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, people are eager to get back to their regular activities. But some activities might require you to show that you’ve been vaccinated or had a recent negative COVID-19 test. How you do that may depend on the activity and where you live.

Right now, there’s no standard way to prove you’ve been vaccinated or tested negative. Sure, there are those CDC COVID-19 vaccination cards people get when they get their vaccine. But they were never designed to prove your vaccination status and they may not be enough. Some states, companies, colleges, and other organizations are creating their own verification products and services, including apps and digital passports or certificates. Some connect to state immunization databases while others rely on individual self-report. The patchwork approach gives scammers an opportunity to cash in on the confusion.

Besides not sharing your COVID-19 vaccination card online because of the risk for identity theft, here are a few other ways to help stay ahead of the scammers.

  • Be skeptical of anyone contacting you from the federal government. Right now, there are no official plans to create a national vaccine verification app or certificate or passport. If you get a call, email, or text from someone saying they’re from the federal government, and asking you for personal information or money to get a national vaccine certificate or passport, that’s a scam.
  • Check with airlines, cruise lines, and event venues about their requirements. Don’t rely on information from someone who calls, texts, or emails you out of the blue.
  • Contact your state government about its vaccine verification plans and requirements.
  • Don’t share your information with just anyone. Scammers often set up real-looking websites to sell fake goods and services, so why not vaccine verification certificates or passports? Before you share any information online, check out who’s asking for it. Search online for the company or organization’s name with words like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” Think long and hard before you share personal information, like your Social Security, Medicare, credit card, or bank account numbers. Scammers can steal your information to commit fraud and identity theft.

More money is coming to families…and scammers are ready

by Lisa Lake, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, eligible families will get monthly payments from the government from July 15 through December 2021. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will send these monthly payments directly to people through direct deposit, paper checks, or debit cards. Unlike economic impact payments, these payments are an advance on families’ child tax credit. People who are eligible will get up to half of their child tax credit in these monthly payments and the other half when they file their 2021 taxes.

If you qualify for payments — which depends, in part, on how much you make — you’ll get them on about the 15th of each month, automatically, without having to do anything. The IRS is working to get online systems set up on its webpage and make sure all questions get answered. Go to IRS.gov for the latest info on who qualifies, how much you’ll get, and how to address any problems you might run into.

When money from the government is in the news, we know scammers are about to run their standard playbook. They may call, email, text, or DM you. They’ll say they can help you get your payments earlier (they can’t), get you more money (also no), or tell you other lies (for sure). Here’s the real deal:

  • Only the IRS will be sending these payments. Anyone trying to “help” you get your child tax credit is really after your money.
  • The government will NEVER call, text, email, or DM you out of the blue, asking for money or information. Keep your money — and your Social Security, bank account, debit and credit card numbers — to yourself.
  • Nobody legit will ever demand that you pay by gift card, wire transfer through companies like Money Gram or Western Union, or cryptocurrency. That’s a scam, every time.

If someone tries to scam you out of these payments or anything else, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Last updated June 2, 2021

Finance

Bogus COVID vaccine surveys

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Download the above flyer here


by Colleen Tressler, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

Scammers are using a new trick to steal your money and personal information: a bogus COVID vaccine survey.

People across the country are reporting getting emails and texts out of the blue, asking them to complete a limited-time survey about the Pfizer, Moderna, or AstraZeneca vaccine. (And no doubt, there may be one for Johnson & Johnson, too.) In exchange, people are offered a free reward, but asked to pay shipping fees.

If you get an email or text like this, STOP. It’s a scam.

No legitimate surveys ask for your credit card or bank account number to pay for a “free” reward.

If you get an email or text you’re not sure about:

  • Don’t click on any links or open attachments. Doing so could install harmful malware that steals your personal information without you realizing it.
  • Don’t call or use the number in the email or text. If you want to call the company that supposedly sent the message, look up its phone number online.

Remember:

  • Don’t give your bank account, credit card, or personal information to someone who contacts you out of the blue.
  • You can filter unwanted text messages on your phone, through your wireless provider, or with a call-blocking app.
  • If you get an email or text that asks for your personal information and you think it could be a scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

​7 Things to Know About Fraud Alerts

A fraud alert encourages lenders and creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before issuing credit

You only need to contact one of the three nationwide credit bureaus to place a fraud alert - that bureau will transmit your request to the other two

If you have a police report or a Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Report, a 7-year extended fraud alert is available

When you’ve been a victim of identity theft, it’s tough to know what to do first. One of the phrases you may have heard when it comes to identity theft is a fraud alert. But do you know what fraud alerts do, what types are available or how fraud alerts work?

A fraud alert is a notice that is placed on your credit report that alerts credit card companies and others who may extend you credit that you may have been a victim of fraud, including identity theft. Think of it as a “red flag” to potential lenders and creditors.

Fraud alerts are free. To place a fraud alert on your Equifax credit report, you can create a myEquifaxTM account online; call Equifax at (800) 525-6285; or download this form to request a fraud alert by mail.

Here are seven things you might not know about fraud alerts.

  1. A fraud alert encourages third parties to take extra steps to verify your identity before extending credit. What exactly does this mean? With an initial one-year fraud alert, companies are encouraged to take reasonable steps to confirm you are who you say you are, such as contacting you at a phone number you provide, before completing a request for credit. This can make it more difficult for an identity thief or fraudster to open new accounts or modify existing accounts in your name. However, it’s important to note a fraud alert would not prevent an identity thief from attempting to use an existing account – a credit card, for example.
  2. There is a seven-year fraud alert available to you. These fraud alerts are also known as extended fraud alerts. An extended fraud alert on your credit reports lasts for seven years. In order to place an extended fraud alert, a police report or a Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Report is required. To place an extended fraud alert, you can download this form to request by mail.
  3. For service members, there is an active duty military alert. An active duty alert is an option specifically available for U.S. service men and women. Like an initial one-year fraud alert, an active duty alert encourages companies to take extra steps to verify your identity, such as contacting you by phone, before opening new accounts in your name or modifying existing ones. This type of fraud alert also lasts for one year. Service men and women can have a personal representative with a Power of Attorney add an active duty alert on their behalf if they are already deployed.
  4. You can update or remove a fraud alert by phone or mail. Removing or updating contact information on a fraud alert—one-year, seven-year, or active duty military alert—can be done by phone or mail at any of the three nationwide credit bureaus. At Equifax, if you wish to update your information over the phone, you will need to answer questions that are designed to verify your identity. If your identity can’t be verified, we will provide you with more information about the documents you’ll need to mail to us in order for us to make sure we validate your identity. If you choose to update your information by mail, you'll need to send a request in writing along with documents to verify your identity. Learn more about which documents are accepted.
  5. You only need to contact one of the nationwide credit bureaus in order to have an initial one-year fraud alert, active duty alert or extended fraud alert placed on all three of your credit reports. Fraud alerts are designed so that you only have to contact one of the three nationwide credit bureaus -- Equifax, Experian or TransUnion -- online, by phone, or by mail to request an initial one-year fraud alert, active duty alert or extended fraud alert on your credit report. The credit bureau you contact must pass the request on to the other two bureaus.
  6. Someone else is able to manage your fraud alert on your behalf. A “personal representative” can be designated to manage a fraud alert on your behalf with a Power of Attorney or court appointed document. The personal representative can add fraud alerts, delete them or update contact information.
  7. There are many additional resources that offer great information about fraud alerts and fraud-related topics. In addition to the three major credit bureaus, you may find more information about fraud alerts on the Equifax website, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and/or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) websites. Your state Attorney General’s website may also offer educational material on fraud-related topics, including types of fraud and what to do if you’re a victim of fraud.