Robbins: Look Out for New Identity Theft Tactic – "Vishing"

Thieves use fake Internet phone numbers to steal information.

Harrisburg – State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) today warned of a new tactic being used by identity thieves to steal personal information: "vishing."

Robbins said "vishing" involves thieves using easy-to-obtain Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) numbers to trick Internet or telephone users. While "phishing" schemes involve thieves sending emails with bogus web links to victims, "vishing" uses VoIP numbers in place of legitimate credit card or financial services telephone numbers to dupe unsuspecting citizens into giving up personal information.

"They want to trick you into calling these numbers – with you thinking you're calling a legitimate credit card or bank," said Robbins. "Then, they ask you for information such as Social Security numbers and bank account information that they need to pull off their scam. Don't be fooled."

Robbins said that in one reported vishing case, criminals configured an automatic telephone dialer to dial phone numbers, and when the phone was answered it played an automated recording saying their credit card has had fraudulent activity. The recording asked the telephone customer to call a number with a fake caller ID related to the credit card issuer. Once users call, they are asked for personal account information.

Robbins urged citizens to take simple precautions:

Do not call a telephone number provided in a phone call or an e-mail regarding possible security issues with any credit card or bank account. You should call the phone number on the back of your credit card or on your bank statement to report security concerns.
If anyone purporting to be a credit card provider calls and requests your card number, hang up and call the phone number on the back of the credit card and report the attempt. If the call was legitimate, the credit card provider will have knowledge of it.

"Computers and the Internet can improve efficiency and make our everyday lives easier, but, as with all advances, the scammers try to take advantage," said Robbins. "If we follow a few simple steps, we can stay one step ahead of them and not be a victim."

For more information on Identity Theft issues, please go to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's website at www.attorneygeneral.gov. If you are victim of an Identity Theft scam, please contact the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection (Erie Regional Office) at (814) 871-4371.

CONTACT:

Mike Hengst
(717) 787-1322