Business Security Information ? Run a Red Light Lately? ? Ticket ...
While doing research on a different security topic, I ran across a new type of scam that most people probably have not heard of.? The ?red light camera scam? goes something like this:
Someone emails or calls claiming to be from a law enforcement agency such as the state police, department of public safety, or city police department, stating that you have an overdue traffic camera ticket.? The person requests that you pay the ticket now or they will have to issue a warrant for your arrest. ?
The scammer will usually request that the ticket be paid via credit card, debit card, or by giving your bank account information.? They will also try to extract other personal information including social security numbers.? According to government officials, however, in the case of traffic violations of any type, no one will contact you via email or phone to remind you that you owe a fine.
Obviously then, law enforcement departments will not contact you regarding a red light traffic violation.? Also, if you have actually run a red light and have been caught doing so, you will receive a notice in the mail along with a picture that shows you running the red light. Unless you receive the notice of violation along with proof of the violation, never give personal information over the phone and report any such attempts to make you pay a fine to your local police department.
Currently, I have read about these scams occurring in Texas, Maryland and California, but with red light cameras being used in many cities and municipalities, this type of scam could happen to anyone.? It is not even necessary for you to have run a red light and actually received a ticket related to a red light camera to be solicited by the scammer.
This scam is successful because most people are intimidated when they come in contact with a law enforcement officer and are afraid of actually being arrested.? Scammers are hoping that they can play on a person?s natural nervousness around law enforcement, their fears of being arrested, and the fact that they are not thinking straight because of their fears.
Be aware and suspicious of phone calls or emails that press you for immediate action or try and intimidate you into doing something.? All scams have one of those two elements woven into them.
Related posts:
- New Twist in Phishing Scam
- VOIP Phishing Scam
- Red Flags Rule: More Time To Comply
Source: http://www.businesssecurityinformation.com/2011/09/ticket-scam/
emmys 2011 emmys 2011 san francisco 49ers san francisco 49ers redskins boxing steelers