Phone Fraud

Phone scams are very sneaky methods of smarting you out of your money.  A conman will use multiple methods.  Some will pose as some authority figure, and their premise is that they need your contributions for a something worthwhile that they're doing.  

Others will start out by sending you mail saying that you've won some great prize.  When you respond to one of these false letters, they will begin to call you.  The calling can often escalate to verbal harassment and threats.  They will continue to call for a long time even if you don’t respond immediately.

If someone begins asking you for money over the phone, it is not a wise idea to go along with their request.  Phone scammers are not content to stop after one time.  They figure if you're willing to give money once to a stranger, then they'll continue to call until you're broke.  Then, they'll even suggest that you getting money from other sources like your investments and so forth. You may think you're above a scammer, but it’s another story once you've actually talked to one.  They're very good at what they do, and trying to avoid them doesn’t always work once you’ve made some sort of response to their scheme.

Another phone crime is an identity thief who will steal your phone account information or your cell phone.  He will use these for his own personal purposes and many times make long distance calls using your phone services.

As soon as you find out that someone has gotten a hold of your personal information including your phone accounts, credit card numbers, ect, the easiest thing you can do is cancel your accounts by contacting your service provider.  You will have to choose new numbers and PINS, but you will once again be secure.  

Unfortunately, any bills incurred are a bit more difficult to resolve.  It can be hard to prove your case, and you’re dealing with a privately owned company.  If you have trouble with this, you can contact your local Public Utility Commission.  If you have a cell phone or someone is using your land phone for long distance, you will need to contact the Federal Communications Commission.  There phone number is 1-888-CALL-FCC or you can mail them by looking at their website (www.fcc.gov) for the address.  Complaints can also be made on their website.