Identity theft is a growing concern in America and this message is to alert you to a specific situation so that you do not unwittingly become a victim of someone with that kind of crime in mind.
Remember this: Whenever you pick up the phone to someone you do not know, NEVER give them personal information, no matter how “nice” the voice sounds.
Yesterday, a man called here, falsely stating that he represents a major U. S. company. After “chatting” a bit, he began asking questions that made us feel suspicious. As it turns out, a company spokesman who works at the business the man claims to represent, later told us that these kinds of calls are never generated by that major chain of business retailers. At no time do they ever solicit Social Security numbers or FEIN numbers from business level customers, or any customers, for that matter.
We were offered lower gas prices in exchange for the wanted, personal information.
This matter has been reported to the appropriate authorities who handle criminal activities, specifically, fraud. If you happen to live in New Hampshire and someone “fishy” calls you, just hang up. Then, alert the Attorney General’s office, Fraud Division. In New Hampshire, that phone number is (603) 271-3658.
One of the tips that something was awry with the call was that instead of a phone number read-out on the phone, indicating who is calling, there was a message in letters that seemed to imply that the call was being generated by an official of government. A report has also been filed with the police and all calls to them are recorded.
Someone on the phone is just a voice, and a complete stranger. Arm yourself, mentally, before you take a call. Then, be cautious as to any private information you reveal, no matter how benign it may seem to you. The best protection is to just hang up the minute something seems questionable. There is no rule that says you have to be polite to someone who wishes you harm. Provide information on a “need to know” basis. Please remember that criminals don’t need to know ANY details of your life.
This message is brought to you as a public service.
