4.04 Identity theft
Practice Two Sheldon just received a phone call from a person who claims to be an agent from the Internal Revenue Service notifying him that his Social Security number has been suspended because it is connected to fraudulent activity. He must reactivate his Social Security number by providing his birthdate and confirming his Social Security number and name. The agent says if Sheldon doesn't do this immediately, he may be charged a $5,000 fine!
What should Sheldon do? It's a scam! He should hang up and contact his local police station and the FTC to notify them of the attempt. First, the Internal Revenue Service will never call you and ask you to provide sensitive information over the phone. In addition, Social Security numbers do not get suspended. Whoever called Sheldon is attempting to steal his personal information to commit identity and financial fraud. It is important to never give out personal information to anyone over the phone. Sheldon should hang up and contact his local police station and the FTC to notify them of the attempt.
