Criminals have discovered any easy way to steal your identity by masquerading as a bank or credit card company and sending you e-mails asking you to verify your Social Security number, PIN or other sensitive information.  Don’t give these shysters what they’re “phishing”  for!

Tips for Avoiding These Swindles

• Do not take part if you feel uncomfortable.
• Do not withdraw large sums of money at someone else’s request without consulting a bank or law enforcement official.
• Trust the people you know and be cautious with friendly strangers.  Get to know people first.
• Be aware that banks generally require more clearance for large withdrawal requests, and that financial institutions and the government do not use customers to conduct investigations.
• Don’t respond to an e-mail that appears to be from a financial institution and asks for your account or other personal information.

If you believe you have been a victim of any of these scams, you may file a complaint with the Georgia Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Division.