Indiana Consumer Alert: Telephone Scam Seeks Personal Information

Scammers Say New Social Security Cards or Free Medical Cards are being issued

January 15, 2008 -- INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter is alerting Hoosiers about a telephone scam that attempts to obtain residents’ bank account or social security numbers and other personal identifying information. The callers indicate new Social Security Cards or free medical cards are being sent and they need to verify some personal information.

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“This is particularly disturbing since the ploy can often trick people into thinking they must comply or face difficulties later if they don’t receive a new social security card,” Carter said. “Remember, the federal government and legitimate businesses will not ask you for bank account or social security numbers over the phone.”

Carter goes on to warn Hoosiers to guard their personal and financial information carefully from unsolicited callers.

“Bad things can happen when the wrong people get a hold of social security, bank account, and credit card numbers,” Carter added. “Accounts can be drained before you realize what has happened, and fraudulent credit established under your name. Rectifying these events can take several years and hundreds of dollars.”

If citizens receive a call, they are urged to hang up and report the call to the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Division online at www.in.gov/attorneygeneral or by calling 1-800-382-5516

Source: Indiana Attorney General