Diabetics Targeted in Identity Theft Scheme
Individuals with diabetes have been targeted in a recent identity theft scam. The identity theft scam is effective because the identity thieves know the intended victim has diabetes.
The identity theft scheme was first discovered in Mississippi. It was reported that diabetics were receiving phone calls from identity thieves claiming to be from the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi and the American Diabetes Association. The thieves were requesting personal information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth and credit card information.
The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi and the American Diabetes Foundation reported these complaints to the Consumer Protection Division of the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office. While Mississippi is the only state to report the scam it is possible that it will spread to other states.
The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi and the American Diabetes Foundation will not initiate a phone call or send an email asking you to provide, update or confirm sensitive information. Before responding to any request for personal information, consumers should contact the institutions directly to ensure the request is valid.
“Unfortunately, scam artists will often use the name of reputable organization to lure consumers into thinking they are dealing with a familiar organization,” said Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood. “Because of this, we continue to urge consumers to use caution before acting on unsolicited emails, voice mails, text messages or phone calls requesting personal information. Educating our consumers is one of the most important actions we can take to combat scams like this one.”
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