As scammers look for ways to steal your credit card and other personal information, AAA warns the public to take necessary precautions to avoid being harmed by their schemes.
“Please treat a text or phone call regarding an unpaid ticket with a high degree of skepticism. Scammers use fear-based tactics to gain compliance, and every day, good people become victims of fraud and identity theft,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “If there’s an unresolved legal issue, you’ll receive official documentation in the mail, which you can then confirm directly with the law enforcement agency, court, or government entity. You will never be asked to provide credit card or banking information over the phone or through a text.”
Scammers may also attempt to convince you that a family member is in jail and needs access to funds immediately. AAA joins law enforcement in urging the public to share this information to help raise awareness and protect friends and loved ones.
“Credit monitoring services and regular review of your financial transactions may help you discover fraud before the damage is too severe,” Conde said. “After you speak with your bank or credit card company about any suspicious activity on your account, please notify your local police department or sheriff’s office.”
