What is
Pretexting?
Pretexting can be defined
as the practice of obtaining someone else's personal information under false
pretense, an illegal act that leads to identity theft. After sweet talking you out of the
information, a pretexter will then sell those details on the black market,
allowing others to open credit accounts and commit all types of fraud in your
name.
Pretexters are quite
savvy and will employ various strategies to acquire your personal
information. For instance, an imposter
may call on the phone asking you to participate in a survey. After getting enough information, they use
the details and sell them or call your financial institution. A pretexter will assume your identity and
attempt to access your accounts. They
may claim to have forgotten a checkbook or debit card in order to get more
information about the account. If
successful, a thief may be able to obtain you full bank account number, Social
Security number and the balance of your investment and savings portfolio.
Laws Against
Pretexting
As amended by federal
law, the act of pretexting is illegal.
Here a few instances that can get these criminals in a world of trouble
if they are caught using this strategy:
•
-Using false or fictitious statements or
documentation to acquire personal information from a consumer. This may be from their financial institution
or directly from the consumer
•
-Using lost, stolen or fraudulent documents to
acquire personal information from a financial institution or directly from the
consumer
• -Asking someone else to obtain a consumer's
information using false statements or fraudulent or stolen documents
Pretexting
Protection
While laws
are in favor of probable victims, it is still wise to protect yourself from
pretexting and reduce the risk of identity theft. Here a few tips to keep your information
safe:
Keep
your personal information sacred - Sensitive details should be never
provided via telephone, email or online website unless you are the party who
initiated the contact or know exactly who you are communicating with. Remember that legitimate companies in which
you associate with should have all the information they need about you
beforehand.
Keep an
eye on your statement cycles - If bank account and credit card statements
are not following a routine schedule, immediately contact the issuing company
and inquire about the problem.
Carefully
review all statements - Any financial statements you receive should be
promptly reviewed for accuracy. If you
happen to observe any discrepancies, contact the issuing company
immediately.
Educate
yourself about pretexting - Pretexting has been around for sometime and
many financial institutions are aware of this crime. Do not be afraid to ask of their policy about
sharing your information with others.
Specifically inquire about which policies will protect you from
pretexting.
Educate
your family about pretexting - Your
family should also be aware of identity theft.
Thoroughly explain the dangers of pretexting and designate yourself or
another family member as the only individuals with authorization to provide
personal information regarding the household.
If you feel
that you have been victimized by pretexting, it is very crucial that you act quickly. You should immediately contact
your financial institution and report any suspicions. It would also be wise to close any accounts
that have been compromised, and you should assign new PIN numbers or passwords.
