Identity Theft Resource Center | A Nonprofit Organization

SCAM ALERTS

NO. It’s not true… THINK!

You have not won the lottery in Spain, the Netherlands, Canada or anywhere else. You didn’t buy a ticket, did you?
A poor widow or bank manager does not need your help to move money from a dead person’s account to another place.
The IRS is not electronically auditing you.
The jury duty clerk never calls for your Social Security number.
Banks and credit card companies do not email you to verify your information.

It is of prime importance to know the scams that thieves use to trick you into giving information. They then use the information to steal your identity. Compare this to a defensive driving course. It is not enough to know how to use a phone or the Internet. You must know how to use this technology safely, including increased awareness of situations that could lead to identity theft.

What is a phishing scam? The Identity Theft Resource Center asked this question of dozens of consumers. Most could not answer it. However, when we asked if they had ever received an email asking them to verify an account, most had, and some had even answered that email. Phishing is a scam that is often used to commit identity theft.

Scams can also be done via the telephone. Thieves use very convincing scripts and many people end up giving a thief their entire life’s savings. The thieves are slick, well-polished, and may even pretend to eventually become your best friend.

Please mark our Scam Page as a favorite and check it frequently. This page is updated when we have new information, and even includes examples of scams so that you will recognize one if you receive one. We hope these pages will save you from a scam heartache and financial loss.

General Contact:
For general questions about the ITRC email us at

Victim/Consumer:
If you believe you are a victim of identity theft and would like our assistance please send us an email at Or call the ITRC Victim Assistance Center (858) 693-7935

If you have questions about identity theft, please feel free to write or send us an email at . We will attempt to respond to your inquiry in a timely manner.