Many Indianapolis residents are concerned about crime on city streets, but experts warn that crime may be closer to home than most people realize. Only this crime has nothing to do with guns or drugs, but all about theft in the form of a scam.
“They want you to either give them money or commit identity theft. If I could get your Social Security number or bank account info, obviously I could do a lot of financial damage. It’s not personal – you’re just another phone call or email. These people follow the money and do it in a quick and underhanded way,” said Timothy Maniscalo, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Indiana.
There are common schemes that continue such as telemarketing fraud where the thief will ask the caller to send money or give personal financial information or “work from home” scams, which prey on the unemployed or underemployed, but experts warn of a scam they fear will increase.
On Oct. 1 the Affordable Care Act marketplace was made available to the American public and since then there have been reports of people perpetrating as navigators, a term used by the federal government for people who assist the uninsured in finding insurance. They then ask for personal information such as Social Security numbers and bank account numbers.
Abby Kuzma, director of consumer protection for the Indiana Attorney General’s Office said this is an opportunity for them because Americans are nervous and uncertain about the insurance marketplace through the Affordable Care Act.
“Everybody needs to know that navigators are never going to be calling you. This is not a telemarketing scenario. The expectation is that when you’re ready you will seek out information and determine whether or not you need to work with a navigator, then you will contact the navigator. In Indiana, certified navigators are on the Indiana Department of insurance website,” said Kuzma.
She adds that signing up for insurance through the marketplace is free and although there will eventually be penalties for the uninsured who don’t sign up, no one will risk jail time if they don’t get insurance.
Maniscalo said there has been a report in Southern Indiana about Affordable Care Act marketplace fraud. As sign ups continue, he expects to see complaints rise.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and with numerous efforts to raise awareness and funds for research, thieves are taking advantage of well-meaning donors.
In most cases, breast cancer advocates are giving to good, reputable causes, however there are some that aren’t sanctioned by a legitimate breast cancer organization.
Kuzma notes another scam that takes advantage of philanthropists during times of crisis or natural disasters.
When identity theft occurs, people wonder “why me?” Oftentimes people are targeted or information is obtained due to carelessness, but Maniscalo said fraud typically happens at random.
“You can get phone numbers a variety of ways – it’s very easy. They might have some sort of boiler room operation where they get on the Internet and start making phone calls,” said Maniscalo.
Scammers have also become very crafty and sophisticated and will create mail or email that mimics legitimate businesses. They will sometimes change one letter or number in a name or phone number of a business in order to direct the individual to their scam. Thieves can even buy a mobile phone app that can disguise their location and number.
Experts say people can identify when they are being scammed when the criminal begins to pressure a caller for personal or financial information or say that in order to get a “deal” a decision must be made immediately.
If one suspects they are being scammed, Maniscalo and Kuzma say they should immediately hang up the phone. Suspicious emails should be deleted and if it is opened by mistake, do not click any links. If the call or mail seems to be from a trusted source, people should find the phone number, email or address on their own.
When online, never bank in a public place and if you are purchasing items, make sure the site is secure.
The Indiana Attorney General’s office has various measures to protect residents from fraud and identity theft. Hoosiers can sign up for the state’s “Do Not Call” list to reduce phone fraud; freeze their credit; or store pertinent information with the office in case a wallet or purse is stolen.
“Another one is if someone is doing repairs on your home. If some stranger is walking through your home to give you an estimate make sure you don’t have your personal information out in the open. You’ve got to think all the time about your personal information,” said Kuzma. “Even your prescriptions are important.”
People should also make sure they shred important documents and no matter your socioeconomic status, protect your Social Security number and banking information.
People who have been targeted for fraud should report the incident with the Better Business Bureau and/or the Indiana Attorney General’s Office. Due to increased vulnerability, the elderly should especially be vigilant when answering the phone, email or mail correspondence.
“Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. It can be a long process and can sometimes be very damaging and takes a while to get back on track. People should take preventive measures in order to protect their identity,” said Kuzma.
For more information on scams, visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s website at FBI.gov/scams-safety; call the Better Business Bureau at (317) 488-2222 or visit indy.bbb.org; or call the Indiana Attorney General’s office at (317) 232-6201 or visit IN.gov/attorneygeneral.
