A new year means a new scam, this time, targeting cell phone users. Like traditional “phishing,” “smishing” schemers often pose as banks or lottery sweepstakes asking customers to contact them immediately about a pressing issue that needs to be discussed.

Victims of the bank scam are often asked to call a toll-free number and provide information, such as their debit card or account number and password, to a fake automated system. Victims have complained they have received text messages claiming their bank account is frozen with a toll free number to call to clear things up.

“These hackers are looking for you to respond with vital information that can ultimately lead to identity theft,” said Kim States, BBB President. “In the cases of the lottery ‘smishing’ scam, hackers want you to wire over money before receiving your ‘prize,’ one of the biggest red flags of a ‘smishing’ scam.”

Text messages such as “Win cash now!” and “Short on cash? Reply here!” are all red flags that a lottery sweepstakes “smishing” scam is in the midst. Many of these messages come with embedded links that can ultimately spread viruses to the phone if clicked.

The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to do the following if they suspect they have fallen victim to a “smishing” scam.

Never reply to the text message. Schemers are preying on victims that text back and ultimately verify that the text has been sent to an active cell phone. If the message has a link in it, never click it. (more…)

How can your Facebook page contribute to someone stealing your identity via your social security number?

Studies show that computer programs can successfully guess 8.5% of the social security numbers of people born since 1989. This is done by using information from your social networking sites and other public sites.

Unfortunately social security numbers are not random. The first three digits are part of the zip code where you received your social security number. So, putting your hometown on Facebook is a generous tip to con artists wanting to steal your identity.

The next two digits are determined by where and when you applied for your social security number.

The last four digits are suppose to be random but tend to be in sequential order. That means if you give your birthday online, you have given the con artists another tip.

The good news is starting this year all nine digits will be more random. The bad news is you cannot change your social security number. You need to do all that you can to protect the one you have and your identity in general.

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona tips:

• Don’t carry your social security card nor have the number printed on your driver’s license or checks.
• Don’t carry your birth certificate, passport or extra credit cards, except when necessary.
• Shield the screen or keypad when entering your personal identification number (PIN) at an ATM or public telephone.
• Don’t use common words or anything else that would be easily discovered when creating passwords and personal identification numbers.
• Opt out of pre-approved credit offerings.
• Cancel all unused credit card accounts and keep a list of your credit card account numbers, issuers and customer service telephone numbers.
• Follow up with creditors if your bills don’t arrive on time to be sure an identity thief hasn’t taken over your account and changed the billing address.
• Review your bills and statements for unauthorized use.
• Tear and shred all items with your personal information on it.
• Don’t leave mail in your mailbox overnight.
• Check your credit report annually.

The interesting information about the digits of your social security number can be found at here.

Sneaky little charges are making their way onto telephone bills and can go unnoticed for months. Victims of so-called “cramming” often face a tough battle to stop being billed every month and start getting their money back.  In order to fight cramming, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona recommends keeping a close eye on every bill and being extremely cautious when giving out personal information such as phone numbers.

“You might think that nothing bad can happen from giving out your telephone number, but you should guard those digits like you would a credit card or social security number,” said Kim States, BBB President. “Monitor your monthly statements closely because even if you are very protective of your personal information, cramming can still strike.”

Cramming is on the rise, according to the Chief of the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission during an interview with Herb Weisbaum, consumer reporter for MSNBC.com.  Cramming can come from any number of sources. Some victims may have inadvertently signed up for a subscription service—such as for “free” ringtones or a daily joke or horoscopes–not realizing they’d be billed every month. The Federal Trade Commission recently cracked down on one company that used telemarketers to convince people into signing up for “free” trial services.  Calling a psychic hotline or entering a sweepstakes can also lead to cramming. Unfortunately, in some cases, the victim is just an unlucky random target.

BBB recommends taking the following five steps to fight cramming:

• Keep a close eye on monthly statements. Anyone can become a victim of cramming so monitoring you monthly bills is extremely important. The sooner you spot the charges, the sooner you can fight them.

• Know your rights. Contact your telephone provider to see if you can completely restrict (more…)