Warning Signs of Identity Theft | 5/19/2016

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What Do Thieves Do With Your Information?

Once identity thieves have your personal information, they can drain your bank account, run up charges on your credit cards, open new utility accounts, or get medical treatment on your health insurance. An identity thief can file a tax refund in your name and get your refund. In some extreme cases, a thief might even give your name to the police during an arrest.

Clues That Someone Has Stolen Your Information

  • You see withdrawals from your bank account that you can’t explain.
  • You don’t get your bills or other mail.
  • Merchants refuse your checks.
  • Debt collectors call you about debts that aren’t yours.
  • You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report.
  • Medical providers bill you for services you didn’t use.
  • Your health plan rejects your legitimate medical claim because the records show you’ve reached your benefits limit.
  • A health plan won’t cover you because your medical records show a condition you don’t have.
  • The IRS notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or that you have income from an employer you don’t work for.
  • You get notice that your information was compromised by a data breach at a company where you do business or have an account.

If your wallet, Social Security number, or other personal information is lost or stolen, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself from identity theft. Go To: https://www.identitytheft.gov/Info-Lost-or-Stolen


BE WARY OF YOUR ATM! | 7/14/2015

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Strange contraptions known as “skimmers” are targeting ATM users, and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office wants you to be prepared. When attached to your ATM or gas pump, the device can be used to steal your credit card information, capture your pin code, and send the information wirelessly via Bluetooth or cell phone text. Don’t let this happen to you!

Here are some ways to avoid being scammed:

  • Check for tampering. Compare the ATMs next to each other and make sure all the colors and material look correct. If something doesn’t feel right, like the keyboard or card slot, don’t use it.
  • Wiggle everything. ATMs are constructed to be solid and sound. If you see something protruding or fit loosely, feel free to poke, prod, and wiggle it to make sure that it is real. A minor jiggling won’t affect a real ATM, but it just might reveal suspect equipment and thwart a thief’s attempt to get your information.
  • Be careful! Be sure to cover your pin with your hand while you’re typing it in. If they can’t record your pin number then they can’t use your card information – although some skimmers are sophisticated enough to capture pin info, too! Be vigilant on weekends, because it’s harder to report strange activity during the weekend than it would be during the week.

This type of crime happens far more often than you’d think, and it can happen to you. If you see something that doesn’t look right – such as strange colored components or hardware that isn’t shaped correctly – you’re better off finding another ATM. You should also report what you’re seeing right away better safe than sorry, and you just might protect a fellow consumer. In general, ATMs located in the public eye are much harder to tamper with, so be mindful of which ATMs you choose. If your options are the ATM inside a busy supermarket or the ATM outside on the sidewalk with relatively little traffic, you may want to consider going inside.

http://www.atg.wa.gov/all-consuming-blog/be-wary-your-atm