National nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling highlights what consumers should know about five of the most common types of online scams
Boston, MA – March 22, 2017
There are different types of online scams that criminals use to defraud millions of consumers. They use tricks and technology to convince consumers to send money or give out their personal information. In an effort to help consumers avoid these scams, national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling describes different types of scams and what they might look like.
“Each year millions of consumers fall victim to online scams,” said Steve Trumble, President and CEO of American Consumer Credit Counseling, which is based in Newton, MA. “Fraudsters and other criminals use the internet to take advantage of consumers by creating scams to trick them into giving out their personal information, which can lead to identity theft. It’s important that consumers know what to look for so they can protect their financial security.”
According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, the number of reported U.S. data breaches in 2016 hit a record high of 1,093 – 40 percent higher than the 780 reported in 2015. The business sector was the leading target with 45 percent of the overall data breaches followed by healthcare/medical industry (35 percent), education sector (9 percent), government/military (7 percent) and banking/credit/financial sector (5 percent). For the eighth year in a row hacking/skimming/phishing topped the list for types of occurrences, accounting for about 56 percent of the breach attacks.
American Consumer Credit Counseling provides consumers with different types of online scams (https://www.consumercredit.com/debt-resources-tools/identity-theft/scams/) and what they might look like.
1. Automatic Debit Scams
(https://www.consumercredit.com/debt-resources-tools/identity-theft/scams/automatic-debit-scams/)
Fraudulent telemarketers have found yet another way to steal consumers’ money – from their checking account in the form of unauthorized debits (withdrawals). In this type of scam consumers will either get a postcard or a telephone call saying they have won a free prize or can qualify for a major credit card, regardless of past credit problems. Near the end of the sales pitch, the telemarketer may ask the consumer to get one of their checks and read off the numbers at the bottom. Once they have the checking account information it is put on a demand draft. Unlike a check, the draft does not require the consumer’s signature, so when it is received by the bank, the amount is taken directly from the consumer’s account and put into the telemarketer’s account.
2. Fake Credit Report Sites
Consumers may have seen Web sites or received unsolicited emails offering credit reports, sometimes for free. Be aware that some of these online operators may not actually provide credit reports, but may be using these sites as a way to capture the consumer’s personal information. From there, they may sell their information to others who may use it commit fraud, including identity theft.
3. Hoax Targets Elderly
Flyers with instructions, such as “Claim $5,000 in Social Security Reimbursements,” are attempts to trick people into revealing personal identifying information that could, in turn, cost them money or damage their credit ratings.
4. Pretexting: Personal Information Revealed
When consumers list their personal assets, they often think of their home, car, savings and investments. But what about Social Security number (SSN), telephone records and bank and credit card account numbers? To people known as “pretexters,” that information is also a personal asset. Pretexters use a variety of tactics to get your personal information. For example, a pretexter may call, claim he’s from a survey firm, and ask the consumer a few questions. When the pretexter has the information he wants, he uses it to call the consumer’s financial institution and pretends to be the consumer or someone with authorized access to your account.
5. Secured Credit Card Marketing Scams
Beware: while secured credit cards can be an effective way to build or re-establish credit history, some marketers of secured cards make deceptive advertising claims to entice consumers to respond to their ads. The ads may offer unsecured credit cards, secured credit cards, or not specify a card type. The ads usually lead consumers to believe they can get a card simply by calling the number listed.
ACCC is a 501(c)3 organization that provides free credit counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and housing counseling to consumers nationwide in need of financial literacy education and money management. For more information, contact ACCC:
- For credit counseling, call 800-769-3571
- For bankruptcy counseling, call 866-826-6924
- For housing counseling, call 866-826-7180
- Or visit us online at http://www.ConsumerCredit.com
About American Consumer Credit Counseling
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a nonprofit credit counseling 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering consumers to achieve financial management through credit counseling, debt management, bankruptcy counseling, housing counseling, student loan counseling and financial education concerning debt solutions. In order to help consumers reach their goal of debt relief, ACCC provides a range of free consumer personal finance resources on a variety of topics including budgeting, credit and debt management, student loan assistance, youth and money, homeownership, identity theft, senior living and retirement. Consumers can use ACCC’s worksheets, videos, calculators, and blog articles to make the best possible decisions regarding their financial future. ACCC holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®). For more information or to access free financial education resources, log on to ConsumerCredit.com or visit https://www.consumercredit.com/debt-resources-tools/
