Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Bottoms Warns To Be On Lookout For Identity Thieves

   District Attorney Mike Bottoms has released a warning to area residents regarding the continued onslaught of identity theft ploys. It reads as follows:

   “International scam artists are still at work in our community,” says District Attorney General Mike Bottoms of the 22nd Judicial District that includes Giles, Lawrence, Maury and Wayne Counties, “and now, more than ever, they are using the internet to obtain your identity.”

   Bottoms further stated that citizens in the 22nd Judicial District have recently received numerous emails from international banks, religious associations in foreign countries and even the “United Nations Office” wherein the recipient is to provide personal contact information to receive a release of funds on an ATM card. One recent email states:

   “We have actually been authorized by the newly appointed UN secretary general, and the governing body of the United Nations monetary unit, to investigate the unnecessary delay of your inheritance fund, recommended and approve in your favor. During the course of our investigation, we discovered with dismay that your payment has been unnecessarily delayed by corrupt officials of the bank who are trying to divert your money into their private accounts, to forestall this, security for your funds was organized in the form of your personal identification number (PIN) ATM card this will enable only you have direct control over this fund, we will handle this payment ourselves to avoid the hopeless situation created by the officials of the bank.”

   Says General Bottoms, “Do not provide any personal information to an unfamiliar source. Once they have your Social Security number or any personal information, they will try to steal your identity.” All families should have discussions about scams with their parents and contact legal professionals before responding.

   Most of these scams are of international origin and are difficult to prosecute. Citizens must be alert and vigilant to this type of fraud in order to stop the rapid growth of these scams.

   For further information, contact Bottoms at 931-762-7777.

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