Identity theft

[davetclown]

Identity theft is an unfortunate part of today's Internet, and
fraudulent emails designed to steal your personal information
are increasingly common.

These emails are often disguised as official messages from
companies with which you do business, and ask you to submit
sensitive personal information -- by email, fax, or a fake
Web site -- with the intent to steal your identity. This type
of scam is known as "phishing."

These "phisher" emails and Web sites often mimic the logos,
colors, and language used by legitimate companies and can be
very convincing.

You may have already received a message from EarthLink
alerting you to these scams. Unfortunately, these crimes are
STILL common -- and require your vigilance.
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[releaseit]

Good info Dave, don't forgot getting mailers telling you they got everything they need except SSN. This is a new trend sweeping the nation.

Some fly by night mortgage companies and credit card companies use this practice.

The credit card companies charge a monthly and yearly fee for card and some also send you a couple thousand dollars in advance per your request then start charging you interest.

You call in to cancel card and they nail you with cancellation fee, plus a months interest and the monthly fee for card. It could reach as high as $200. Several law enforcement agencies are researching this trend.

This was happening alot in Santa Ana, CA and other surrounding areas. These companies choose lower income ad home areas usually with high minority populations.

Watch out![]
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