Florida Consumer E-Newsletter
February 2008
Charles H. Bronson
Commissioner
A Message from the Commissioner
Dear Friends:
A new twist to an old phishing scam is currently being reported in numerous cities across the nation. Scammers are taking advantage of the recently approved federal economic stimulus package to lure unsuspecting consumers into revealing their personal data. Scammers are asking for personal information (either via telephone or email) and in some instances money under the guise of offering consumers help in obtaining a tax rebate from the federal government. This scam has gained the perception of legitimacy due to all the press the economic stimulus package has received.
In one variation of the scheme, a company calling itself the Federal Commission Refund Department is promising consumers help in obtaining a tax rebate check. They charge a $29 fee and offer to withdraw this amount from the consumer’s bank account if an account and routing number are provided. In a second variation, scammers portray themselves as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents and call asking for Social Security numbers and other personal information to verify the person’s eligibility for a refund. If the person refuses to give them their personal data, the scammer then threatens that they will not receive the rebate.
Whether it’s a new scam or just a new version of an old scam, consumers should always be wary of anyone soliciting their personal information over the phone or internet. The best defense is to stay informed and alert. In this newsletter, we have included some tips to help keep your information, and ultimately your identity, safe. Remember, we’re here for you. Our Consumer Hotline, calling within Florida 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), outside of Florida 850-488-2221 or en Español 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832), will answer any consumer related questions you may have or direct you to the best resource for assistance. You can also visit us online at www.800helpfla.com for additional consumer information.
Sincerely,
Phishing is a term used when scammers falsify their identity, normally by stating they represent a legitimate corporation or governmental agency. They then try to entice the consumer into revealing their personal information such as bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, or other sensitive data. Phishing attacks can happen through either the internet, email, regular mail, or your telephone. Regardless of what method is used, it is important to remember that you should never reveal your personal information, unless you’re certain of who will be receiving it. Follow these tips to avoid being hooked by a phishing scam:
- If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply, and don't click on the link. Legitimate companies won’t ask for your personal information through email. If you are concerned about your account, contact the organization mentioned in the email using a telephone number you know to be genuine, or open a new Internet session and type in the company's correct Web address yourself. Never cut and paste the link from the message into your Internet browser — phishers can make links look like they go to one place, but they actually send you to a false site that’s used to steal your information.
- Don’t trust your caller ID. Some scammers call from what appears to be from a legitimate business and ask you to update your account in order to access a refund. With the help of Internet phones (VoIP), these callers are becoming harder to trace. Scammers can alter your caller ID information to give the perception that the call is coming from a legitimate source (known as spoofing - Commissioner Bronson proposed the anti ID spoofing measure during the 2006 legislative session and quickly won unanimous support from lawmakers). If you need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card.
- Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorized charges. If your statement is late by more than a couple of days, call your credit card company or bank to confirm your billing address and account balances.
- Victims of phishing can become victims of identity theft. While you can't entirely control whether you will become a victim of identity theft, you can take some steps to minimize your risk. If an identity thief is opening credit accounts in your name, these new accounts are likely to show up on your credit report. You may catch an incident early if you order a free copy of your credit report periodically from any of the three major credit bureaus. See www.annualcreditreport.com for details on ordering a free annual credit report.
For additional information give us a call today at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) calling within Florida, 850-488-2221 outside of Florida, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) en Español. You can also visit us online at www.800helpfla.com.
Additional Resources
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The links below are for your information only. The goal of the Division of Consumer Services is to provide additional information to consumers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not review or confirm these sites for accuracy.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Bronson is warning consumers about scam artists who are seeking personal information and in some instances money while claiming to help consumers in obtaining a tax rebate from the federal government. Learn more...
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Phishing is a high-tech scam that uses spam, pop-up messages and emails to deceive you into disclosing your credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security number, passwords, or other sensitive information. Learn more...
OnGuard Online
Phishing is a scam where Internet fraudsters send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims. Learn more...
