PHONY FRAUD ALERT SCAMS

One popular way to commit fraud is to announce that you're going to help people avoid fraud. Phony fraud alert scams are now part of the criminal landscape. But there are telltale signs that make these schemes obvious.

Little more than a phishing scam with a twist, they begin with an email or phone call announcing that your credit card... or your bank account... has somehow been compromised by some sort of illegal activity.

These fraudsters deliberately create confusion, then offer to help solve the problem by asking for pin codes, SSNs and other previously secure information. Or they ask you to phone a 1-800 number --- supposedly your bank or credit card fraud department --- and supply your private information to the agent there. Or they ask you to log into a site and send the information electronically.

They way to protect yourself is basic:

*** Never supply credit card or bank account details over the phone.

*** Do not open suspicious email.

*** Never visit sites which are hyper linked on spam emails.

*** Never call phone numbers mentioned in any such spam emails.