These days you can’t be too careful when it comes to your personal financial information. There are any number of scammers looking for ways ...

These days you can’t be too careful when it comes to your personal financial information. There are any number of scammers looking for ways to access your accounts and use your credit card information. These unscrupulous folks pretend to be legitimate charities, or pose as government workers trying to contact you about jury duty. It’s important to be on your guard, and avoid giving out financial information and account numbers over the phone.

Spoofed Caller ID and Unavailable Numbers

Nearly everyone has caller ID these days. Scammers know this, so they come up with ways to try and trick you into think that they are someone else. It is possible to “spoof” a caller ID so that a name shows up that appears legitimate. In some cases, a number may show up, along with the “unavailable” designation. In either case, it is important to be on your guard. Rather than give out information over the phone, first double check the number. Usephone number lookup online. These services can provide you with the registered name and address. Check to see if all adds up. If the service shows that the number is private, and has no attached public information, it could be an indication that you are dealing with scammers.

Charity Scams
In some cases, a scammer might call claiming to be a charity. You are asked to make a donation. When you give your credit card number, the phishers have what they need. Some simply take the amount of the donation you specify, and keep it — and you’re never the wiser. Others will use the information to make other purchases, and see how far they can get with your credit card number before you realize what has happened and cancel the account.
Instead of giving out credit card information over the phone, tell them you’ll donate in another way. Simply say, “I don’t give out credit card donations over the phone.” You will have plenty of other opportunities to donate to causes that you are sure of.

Jury Duty Scams

There are also other scams that seem legitimate. You might get a call from someone claiming to be from the government, and concerned about you not showing up for jury duty. You might be told that you owe a fine for not showing up, and asked for a credit card number to pay the fine. In other cases, you might be told that your identity needs to be verified, and ask for your Social Security number and your address. Once they have that information, it is possible for them to open accounts in your name, and get loans using your good credit.

Understand that you will receive official communication related to jury duty through the mail. Don’t give out your Social Security number to anyone who calls you on the phone and asks for it. Anyone who is using it for identification should only need you to list the last four digits; no legitimate caller needs your full number.

Bottom Line

These types of scams can be costly. They can cost you in terms of money, but your time is also at risk, since you will have to straighten out the mess and work to restore your good credit.