MEDIA RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 15, 2008

CONTACT: JOSHUA SLAUGHTER
    Office:  (631) 852-1300
Cell:  (631) 456-1718
 Email: Joshua.Slaughter@suffolkcountyny.gov

CONSUMERS BEWARE! PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY

BROWNING WARNS RESIDENTS ABOUT NEW IDENTITY THEFT SCAM

Shirley, NY-In response to a scam uncovered this past week involving fraudulent mail and phone calls aimed at obtaining important personal information from individuals, Legislator Kate Browning (WF-Shirley) is calling on all residents of Suffolk County to be extra cautious when handling vital personal information.

The latest scam tries to lure victims with someone claiming in a phone call to represent a company that handles your car’s warranty. The scam goes on to imply that your car warranty has expired, and asks victims for information such as year make and model of your car, and other pertinent facts that could be used to steal your identity. This scam also utilizes letters to your home. You should not provide this information to anything less than a company you entirely know and trust.

Any legitimate company would not ask consumers for that kind of personal information over the phone or through e-mail. Under no circumstances should anyone provide personal information over the phone or online.

“I received a phone call on my cell from someone claiming to be with a company handling my car warranty,” said Browning. “They didn’t know anything about me and instead wanted me to provide personal information. I want to warn county residents to be aware of this scam and not to provide personal information to questionable sources.”

Identity theft is a growing problem throughout the country and thieves are finding more creative ways to access the information they need to harm you. “Any request for personal information over the phone, through e-mails, or even through direct mail should raise red flags immediately,” Browning said. “Legitimate companies will never ask you for this information, and residents need to remain vigilant at all times.”

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, a study showed that in 2006 some 15 million people were victims of identity theft. That means that every minute about 28 ½ people become new victims of this crime, a new victim every 2 seconds. Almost all studies agree that the top states in terms of victims per capita are New York, California, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, and Texas.

“We live in an area that has a high rate of victims, and predators will continue to target New Yorkers,” concluded Browning. “Everyone needs to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from this fast growing crime. The most effective way is remaining cautious and keeping vital information safe.”

Several resources can be useful to consumers in preventing identity theft. The National Do Not Call Registry is a useful tool in stopping criminals from calling you to access information. Anyone can register their phone number on the no-call list by visiting https://www.donotcall.gov/. Any numbers registered will remain on the list permanently.

Also, the Identity Theft Resource Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing identity theft. Information for victims or anyone looking for important information to protect their identity can visit the organization’s website, http://www.idtheftcenter.org.