Allstate Management Group continues to provide this information in an ongoing effort to maintain client awareness of Internet Fraud and Identity Theft. For more information on our privacy policy, please see related content.
Online Banking Fraud
The banking industry has seen an alarming increase in wire and ACH fraud as hackers and cyber thieves are becoming more successful in accessing bank accounts. Fraudsters are increasingly targeting small-to medium-sized businesses. Always elicit a professional IT services company to ensure your business and personal computer networking systems are secure and that virus protection is installed.
Phishing
Criminals use fraudulent emails (known as phishes) or pop-up Web pages that appear legitimate and are designed to deceive you into sharing personal or account information. The phishes often include logos of legitimate companies, content from their Web sites, and names of real employees.
Many scammers randomly generate email addresses – that’s why you may have received fraudulent emails that appear to be from banks you do not have an account with. They may also obtain email addresses online from Web pages, chat rooms, online auctions, directories or other sources.
Remember, Allstate Management will never send unsolicited emails asking you to provide, update, or verify personal or account information, such as passwords, Social Security numbers, PINs, credit or debit card numbers, or other confidential information.
Pharming
Pharming occurs when you type in a Web address and it redirects you to a fraudulent Web site without your knowledge or consent. The Web site will try and look similar to the legitimate site in hopes of capturing your confidential information.
Credit Card Fraud
Credit Card fraud can occur when someone takes your card and uses it without your consent. It can also happen when the card is still in your possession. Your card number may have been hijacked from an online website or even captured by a skimming device at an ATM or Point of Sale terminal. Always report lost or stolen cards immediately.
Phone Solicitations
Scammers will attempt to randomly call people with hopes to lure them with cash gifts or prizes in exchange for personal or account information. A famous scam is the “Gift of $10,000 cash.” The caller tells clients that they’ve won a gift of $10,000. Clients are asked to confirm their account and routing numbers so that the money can be transferred to their accounts by wire. Another scam involves clients receiving a voice mail and being asked to verify possible fraudulent activities on their cards. The voice mail includes bogus phone numbers for clients to call. In regard to your cards, to be safe, always call the number on the back of your card.
Print Fraud
Scammers will use local and community newspapers publishing fake advertisements with special rates and offers. If clients call, they are asked for their personal information and for an advance payment before the transaction can be completed.
Check Scams
Scammers will overpay for an item purchased and ask the difference to be wired back. Most times the original check was counterfeit or forged for a higher amount.
Mail Fraud
Mail fraud occurs when scammers illegally intercept your mail or when you receive unrealistic and untrue offers.
Sweepstakes or Lotteries
Please beware of other lottery scams – especially those that originate from foreign countries. Letters notifying you that you’ve won a lottery or sweepstakes may require you to send money to secure your winnings. These “official” notices sometimes include fake checks. These notifications and checks are fraudulent.
To report a suspicious Allstate email, Web page, or phone call, you can forward information about the email or Web page to allstatemanagementgroup@gmail.com.
If you believe you have provided personal or account information in response to a fraudulent email, Web site, or phone call, immediately contact your Allstate Account Manager.
At Allstate, the protection of all your assets, including your identity is our top priority.