Bank Merging Scam Seeks to Steal Identities

In the wake of recent financial mergers and closings, new scams are being devised to part individuals with their identities. According to the Federal Trade Commission, e-mails, phone calls and letters are being circulated which claim to represent an individual's financial institution. The purpose of the scam is to take advantage of the recent upheavals in the financial marketplace and confuse consumers into sharing personal information.
One scam in particular focuses on bank mergers. Bank clients are contacted by phishers through email or the phone who claim that a merger has occurred with the customer's bank or mortgage company. The phisher requests account numbers and account access information. The most important thing for bank clients to remember is that their bank will never call them requesting information that is already on file with the bank.
In light of the financial concerns many consumers are facing in today's marketplace, phishers are doing their best to prey on those fears. "A consumer should never give information through emails or through emails that lead them to other websites - The banks have the passwords and for the most part, access to accounts. They would never request that information, even through email," said a Federal Trade Commission representative. The FTC stresses that banks do not use email to communicate important matters with clients.
Those who receive a phone call or email requesting personal bank information should hang up on the caller or delete the request. Those who may have concerns that the phone call may represent a legitimate request are advised to hang up and call the bank directly, using the phone number provided on statements or in the phone book. Avoid dialing another number provided by the caller in case the call is fraudulent.
In addition to questionable requests for bank information, clients should also be wary of any requests being made for credit card or social security numbers. Consumers are encouraged to stay vigilant, examining financial statements that may list unusual or strange charges, as well as using only customer-service telephone numbers to communicate with a financial institution. Raise any concerns or verify suspicious contacts with a customer service representative.
To emphasize the importance of identity protection, consider the following stats provided by the Federal Trade Commission and Javelin Strategy and Research:- 8.4 million Americans became victims of identity theft fraud in 2007- ID thefts in 2007 totaled $49.3 billion dollars - Identity theft has ranked as the top consumer complaint to the FTC for the past five years in a row- It is estimated that victims of Identity Theft lose an average of $5720 per ID theft incident and spend an average of $1400 repairing their name and credit record.
Take the following steps to protect your identity:1. Your Social Security number is considered the gateway to your identity. Avoid carrying a S.S. card in a wallet. Instead, keep it locked in a safe deposit box at home.2. Less is more when it comes to personal information provided on checks. Avoid including a phone number or address if possible.3. It may be tempting, but leaving charge or bank receipts in a car is asking for trouble. ID thieves know personal account information is more valuable than the car stereo.4. Debit or credit cards that are used occasionally are safer at home rather than in a wallet. That way, if a theft occurs, there will be fewer entities to notify.5. Report a lost or stolen card the second you realize it is not in your possession. This will help limit liability.6. Your credit report is available free of charge from each of the three major credit bureaus every 12 months.
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