Scammers prey on servicemembers

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNS) -- Scams can include any trick used to gain information, money or resources. 

Scammers accomplish this by preying on a person until the scammer can piece together information or convince the individual to meet the scammers' needs.

Even though servicemembers are a prominent part of the nation, they can be targeted like everyone else.

"Anytime someone has access to your personal information, they may try to work a scam on you to get more information, whether it's your social security number, date of birth, name or address," said Anthony Mosher, the 354th Security Forces Squadron branch chief of intelligence and investigations. "Once they start putting together all that information, they literally have control of your financial life."

Scams can be run in a variety of ways, using both new technology and old methods.

Computer scams often deal with companies and websites people trust. For instance, social networking websites encourage users to input their personal information, including phone numbers and addresses, which if used by the wrong person could result in someone's identity being stolen.

"That's a big thing right now," said Jessica Baker, an investigator with the 354th Security Forces. "People need to protect their identity, because there is not really much you can do once identity theft happens."

Scammers have also used real and false names to sell fraudulent items online, hoping someone would pay for an item that will never be sent.

There are also email scams that ask for personal information.

The email is sent so it looks like it is from a reputable person or company, but after the victim sends the requested information, scammers are fully equipped to access personal accounts of their choosing.

"Military members have a steady paycheck and drive nice cars," Mr. Mosher said. "If they're a good scammer, they know who to target, and that'll be people with money." 

Mr. Mosher said mail fraud cases also still happen, and precautions should be taken when disposing of personal mail.

"If it has any personal information at all, shred it," Mr. Mosher said. "There are dumpster divers everywhere, both on base and off base. There are people (who) regularly go to off-base transit or dump sites (to go) through your garbage."

If a person is a victim of a scam of any kind, one of his first actions should be to notify banks and credit card companies so they can close or freeze accounts.

It is also important to account for what is missing and establish new bank accounts and credit lines, Mr. Mosher said.

Some banks will reimburse a person who is the victim of a scam. However, that is not always guaranteed. The footwork to recover belongings may be the responsibility of the victim.

Victims of a scam should also make a police report, and if it is believed the scammer was a military member, security forces officials can look into the case. If the suspected scammer is civilian, the report must be made with the local police. If the person lives somewhere else, file the report in that town.

"Don't put your personal information out there," Mr. Mosher said. "Safeguard it like you're safeguarding your kids. Don't leave your information in plain sight. Whether or not you have friends coming to the house, put your stuff away."

By knowing about these scams and how they work, Airmen can take the appropriate steps to safeguard their information and prevent others from gaining access to their personal accounts.