Surge In Real Estate, Credit Scams Predicted
The Identity Theft Resource Center unveiled its predictions for 2009 on Tuesday and real estate and credit card-based scams top the nonprofit's list of potential problems on the horizon. Multiple scams are already circulating on the Internet and through local advertising that attack the equity in a home or which may be used to establish a whole new home loan, the group said. Meanwhile, ID thieves may also take advantage of the tight credit climate by advertising the ability to get credit cards despite a poor credit score or the lack of a Social Security number.
The center warns that job scams are on the rise -- as people seek second sources of income -- and a variety of fake IRS emails have arisen, including tax refund offers, audit information demands and verification of citizenship status. In addition, the center is anticipating an increase in check fraud and sophisticated ways to "mine" personal information, sometimes by organized crime groups. On a positive note, the center predicts increases in the number of state and federal agencies and nonprofits that provide free ID theft victim assistance.
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