Latest ID Theft Scam

Posted by Ken

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Identity thieves are getting smarter every day, coming up with new ways to fool you into divulging your personal information. After reading this article about the latest scam, I got to thinking that even though it occurs in postal mail, it could possibly move to the online world.

Check the validity of forms in the mail before mailing them back

Here’s the scam. Let’s say you just got married. You get an official looking envelope in the mail; it looks like it’s from the government. Inside are papers stating that due to your recent marriage you must fill out the forms to record your name change. It asks for everything: full name, address, phone number, credit cards, social security, etc. There could also be a fee included.

Don’t fall for it! According to a county clerk in New Castle, there is no “federal or state government or law” that requires you to record your name change after getting married. Just throw the package away.

What a treasure trove this must be when the criminal sends this package and actually gets one back all filled out. Everything he’s asked for has been handed to him, so it’s off to do a little shopping on your behalf.