Random Verification Scam

Whether it’s via phone, text message, social media message, or email, you don’t have to prove who you are.

Who Is It Targeting: Account holders

What Is It: A phishing scam that steals your account information

What Are They After: One user reported a PayPal “spoof” email in a money watch forum, but this can come from any type of online retailer or account. In an email that sounds very safety-conscious, scammers claim that the company is doing random security updates and needs you to verify your account information, including usernames and passwords. Other people have reported receiving phone calls that seem to come from their bank or credit card companies, again requiring them to verify their account numbers, PIN numbers, or passwords.

How Can You Avoid It:

• Never “verify” for your information for someone who contacts you.
• They should know who you are, they’re the ones who contacted you!
• If you feel there might be something genuine to the account issue, reach out to the company directly using your own contact information (not what the caller/email provides for you).

If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, contact the Identity Theft Resource Center for toll-free, no-cost assistance at (888) 400-5530. Find more information about current scams and alerts here. For full details of this scam check out this article from Money Forums.