Internet Scam Alert: Beware Of “Vishers” (NAPSA)—A few tips can help protect you from a new type of scam used byidentity thieves. The scam, known as “vishing,” involves criminals using Internet phone services (called VoIP) to trick consumers into revealing information about their bank accounts and credit card numbers over the phone. Here’s how it works: A criminal calls you at homeor sends an e-mail that asks you to calla local number. In either case, the criminal pretends to be someone from your bankorfinancial insti- tution. Because the phone number on your caller ID or in your e-mail appears to be a local one, you might feel safe in calling it. However, the truth could be that the scam artist is using VoIP technology to “own”a local phone number, and that he actually lives in a different state. Avoiding Vishers Following these tips from Geeks On Call can help keep you from being victimized: *Don’t give your credit card numbers, checking account numbers or Social Security number to unknowncallers. *Don’t let a caller pressure you into revealing anything private about yourself. *Be very, very suspicious of any e-mails that appear to be from your bank orfinancial institution. Usually, they will never contact you by e-mail. eIf you think your bank or financial institution is really trying to contact you, don’t respond to any e-mails and don’t talk to anyone who calls you. Instead, There are some easy ways to avoid a new type ofidentity theft scam called vishing. call the main number for your bankor financial institution found on your bank statements, in your local phone book, or on the back of your credit card or check card. *The safest option is to visit your bank and ask them in person whether or not they are trying to contact you. Reporting Scams If you suspect a vishing scam: Contact your bank or financial institution *Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by calling (877) FTC-HELP Report fraudulent PayPal emails by forwarding them to spoof@paypal.com *Contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center at http:// www.ic3.gov/complaint. This information comes from the experts at Geeks On Call, who provide on-site computer services to homes and businesses across America. To contact them, visit www.geeksoncall.com or call (800) 905-GEEK.
