![]() ![]() The consequences could include having a warrant out for your arrest or costing you a job when inaccurate information pops up during a potential employer’s background check. This could range from providing your information for a speeding ticket to larger problems, like if someone gives your identity when arrested. Scammers may use your SSN and other personal information to assume your identity in law enforcement matters. This is known as tax-related identity theft, tax refund fraud, and stolen identity refund fraud. For instance, they could use your SSN and other personal information to submit an income tax return and claim your tax refund. Scammers could use your personal information in fraudulent interactions with the government. How does this happen? With these pieces of sensitive information, a fraudster can then do things like fill out false applications for loans, credit cards, or bank accounts in your name or withdraw money from your accounts. Financial identity theftĪ thief who has accessed or gathered several pieces of your personal information, like your SSN, date of birth, full name, and address may be able to use this information to commit credit card fraud, bank fraud, computer fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, and employment fraud. Here are some of the risks and consequences. Scammers who have accessed your personally identifiable information, like your SSN, date of birth, or passwords, may be able to take on your identity and commit different types of identity theft, fraud or other crimes. Types of sensitive information stolen could include your bank and credit card account numbers, passwords, even your Social Security number (SSN) - any personal data that may be stored and visible in those accounts. These viruses could capture your login credentials when you access your accounts or take control of your devices. Once you do, however, the scammers have captured your login information and can then access the authentic site to steal more of your personal information or make purchases.Īnother example is you may open an email attachment that is embedded with malware which then infects your device. From there, you are encouraged to enter your access credentials. Once you’ve clicked on the link, you are often then redirected to a fake website that looks like it belongs to a legitimate business. Phishing is an online fraud scheme designed to trick victims into clicking on a compromised email or text link or opening a fraudulent attachment. ![]() Here’s a closer look at how phishing email scams work. Once thieves have your sensitive data, they can use it to commit a variety of crimes - or they can sell it on the dark web. Email scams: The risks and consequencesĮmail scams seek to profit from your personal information. What should you do if you find yourself a victim of an email or text scam? First, let’s discuss the risks. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that victims lost $30 million to phishing schemes in one year. You might think this won’t happen to you, but the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks every day. They often request your personal information, which criminals can then use to commit identity theft. These emails and texts are crafted to appear legitimate, such as messages from your bank or another trusted source. Phishing scams also can be executed through text messages. Also known as a phishing scam, an email scam involves using emails and fraudulent websites to steal sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, account data, addresses, and more. It’s a frightening concept that could cause you significant worry or panic. ![]() Falling for an email scam can happen to anyone.
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