Better Business Bureau Warns of an Ongoing Scam Targeting Military Spouses

Anchorage, AK — January 28, 2008 — The local BBB is warning consumers about an ongoing scam targeting military spouses. The scammer, who is misrepresenting him/herself as a Red Cross representative, is trying to steal personal information such as Social Security numbers and dates of birth.

In the scam, the caller claims to represent the Red Cross and informs the spouse that their husband or wife has been injured while on duty in Iraq and has been med-evacuated to a German hospital. The caller then claims that in order to start medical treatment, the spouse must provide correct identification of their enlisted family member.

In a press release, the American Red Cross has stated that their representatives do not typically contact military family members/dependents directly and almost always go through a commander or first sergeant.

The American Red Cross urges military family members to not give out any personal information over the phone if they are contacted by unknown/unverified individuals or to include confirmation that any member of the family is deployed.

Your local BBB offers these tips for possible scammers calling you over the phone:

• Never give out personal information over the phone. This includes Social Security numbers, account numbers, credit card numbers or your PIN. No bank will call you to request private information over the phone.
• Verify that the person on the phone is who they say they are. If the caller claims to be from your bank, credit card company, government agency or other organization, you can also ask that they put their request in writing and send it to you. Also, ask for a name, physical location and telephone number then call your BBB to report your experience.

Use your local Better Business Bureau. Visit www.bbb.org to run reliability reports on businesses or check out charities. You can also call the local BBB at 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, or 503-212-3022 in Oregon to speak with an expert who will be able to assist you in investigating a company.

Learn more about fraud and how to prevent it. Helpful prevention information is available at the www.ftc.gov/idtheft Web site.