DENVER — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers issued a consumer advisory today warning Coloradans to be wary of phones calls from companies informing you of alleged problems with your credit card or other bank accounts. The callers, saying they need to confirm your account or your identity, ask for your credit card number or banking account number and your Social Security number.
The Office of the Attorney General has seen an increase in the number of Coloradans reporting that they have been victimized by callers claiming to be their bank or credit card company.
“You should never give your Social Security number, bank account number or other personal information to anyone over the phone, especially on calls you do not initiate,” Suthers said. “Taking that step alone could save you and your family a great deal of trouble.”
Only a limited number of entities can require your Social Security number, including:
- Government tax and welfare agencies
- State professional, occupational and licensing board
- Your employer for tax and benefit purposes
- State departments of motor vehicles
To learn more about identity theft visit our Web site, www.ago.state.co.us/idtheft/ssn.cfm.html.