Download 08-25-08 id theft scam.pmd

Consumer Alert
August 25, 2008
ID THEFT SCAM TARGETS DEBIT CARD USERS
Parents who use the Texas Debit Card to access their child support payments should beware of a new
identity theft scam that targets EPPICard users. The Texas Attorney General’s Office and government
agencies in 14 other states use EPPICards, which are known locally as the Texas Debit Card, to disburse
child support payments.
According to the Internet Complaint Center, EPPICard users nationwide have reported receiving email,
voice and text messages falsely indicating problems with their accounts. Card users are directed to update
their accounts or correct a problem by clicking on a Web link included within the message. The link directs
the individuals to a fraudulent Web site where their personal information, such as account number and PIN,
is compromised. Recipients of these messages also may be directed to call a phone number.
EPPICard users have also reported receiving an email message offering payments to those who complete
an online survey. At the end of the survey, users are asked for their EPPICard account information so that
funds can be credited to the account. By providing the requested information, users put their financial
information at risk.
Texas Debit Card users should be vigilant and avoid this new twist on old email scheme. Parents should
never open unsolicited emails or click on Web links that appear in an unsolicited email. Doing so could
activate hidden viruses or other malicious software or direct users to a decoy Web site that allows identity
thieves to collect the information they need to empty the users’ bank accounts and ruin their credit.
Texas Debit Card users who have questions about their account should call the program’s toll-free hotline at
866-729-6159. Customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Parents also may call the toll-free number to check account balances and obtain transaction histories.
Parents who receive fraudulent emails regarding account information or survey requests should notify the
Internet Complaint Center by filing an online complaint at www.ic3.gov.
512-477-9465
800-486-4228
www.ccutx.org