Customer Care - Telecom Security & Fraud Prevention

Social Engineering Fraud
"Social engineering" occurs when someone wins your confidence through smooth, convincing talk. These folks are trained to win your trust in order to extract important information about you, your job, your home, and even your family. This information is then used to commit fraudulent acts. Perpetrators of Social Engineering scams are so skilled that you become blinded by flattery, or excitement thus creating no doubt in your mind of the legitimacy of the caller. BEWARE!

Computer Nappers
Be very cautious of telephone calls alleging that you have won a computer software package or offers for free computer software. If you are not sure that you are speaking with a reputable software company, DO NOT TELL THEM YOU OWN A HOME COMPUTER!

Here's how the scam works: The caller advises that you have won a software package or offers the package free as part of a promotion. They then ask questions about your computer. They will ensure you that they need the information for software compatibility. Next they will ask when someone will be at home for delivery and acceptance of the software package. Once they have your schedule, you are susceptible to a home break-in [Source: Reprint from Communications Fraud Control Assoc., January, 1997].

Here are some tips to protect yourself and your business from this type of fraud:

	Know that you may be a potential target for this type of fraud.
	DO NOT provide any unnecessary information to callers unless you know who they are. Be polite and helpful, but know your limitations. When in doubt, make arrangements to call back and check company listings for phone number verification.
	Never provide PIN or passwords to anyone.

True Name Fraud
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has advised of a scam in which unknown parties claim Gerber Baby Foods has lost a class action suit and will pay a $500 savings bond to children under 12 who were born between 1985 and 1997. Notices have appeared instructing parents to send copies of their child's birth certificate and social security number to an address to be processed. The notice promises compensation once the information is sent. Gerber, in a news release to the BBB, has announced there has been no such settlement [Source: BBB, 9-97].

This type of activity is a form of true name fraud. True name fraud occurs when someone's name and personal information is stolen. By obtaining social security numbers, birth certificates or driver's license information, a criminal has enough personal information to purchase items using your name. Purchases such as jewelry or electronic equipment can be made via an application, without a picture ID and can be sold quickly on the street. It can also be used to establish fraudulent telephone service or to add service to your account for use in a criminal manner. In any case YOU get the bill. This scam is difficult to counter because the information is true and the perpetrator becomes YOU! How can you defend yourself?

	Be aware of the company or individual to whom you give personal information.
	Keep a copy of applications you fill out.
	When filling applications in malls, find a non-critical item and change it each time.
	Avoid filling out entries for contests that seem vague.
	Notify your account holders and law enforcement immediately if you suspect fraud.

Popular Holiday Scams
Scam Artists are especially active during holiday seasons. Verizon, AT&T and other telcos advise all consumers to be wary of a call from someone who:

	Guarantees a credit card with a high credit limit just in time for holiday shopping, but requires an up-front payment
	Claims to represent a charity you are not familiar with
	Says you need to buy something or pay a fee to win a prize
	Claims you have won a prize and you have not entered a contest
	Asks for your credit card, calling card, bank account or social security number
	Uses a company name that is intended to sound like a government agency or a well-known company
	Pressures you to act on an offer the same day
	Acts as if he or she has done business with you before
	Is unwilling to send you written info on an offer or give references

Other "At Home" Tips

	Don't accept third party or collect calls that are suspicious or from someone you do not know. When you accept, you have agreed to pay for the charges.
	Telephone companies or law enforcement officials will never ask customers to accept collect or third-party charges as part of an investigation. Only if you make a call through an operator will a telephone company representative request specific billing information.
	Beware of individuals who call you requesting calling card verification. Telephone companies will never call you to ask for your calling card number. Only when you make a call through an operator should you give out your card number.
	Restrict third party or collect calls from being made to your home or business. Some telephone companies offer this service, thus preventing fraudulent calls from being billed to your line.