It's (not) the most wonderful time of the year . . .

Our friends at Silver Planet send this helpful article about whether to itemize this year.  I hope this article by tax expert Julian Block is helpful to you.

Once we're past April 15, we'll all be happier people.

Scam alert: Caller wants card's security code

Here's another timely tip from our friends at Silver Planet.

This trick has already made the rounds, but scammers seem to have a fondness for this one because it's being reported again. We want you to stay alert and avoid becoming ensnared.

The trap involves a phone call from someone claiming to be with your credit card company. The call sounds legit because the person provides you with all the information about your card, except for one vital component: the three-digit security code on the back. Here's how the scam works:

1. The caller says, “This is (name), and I’m calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is (number). Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I’m calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card issued by (bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a marketing company based in Arizona?”

2. When you say “no,” the caller continues: “Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching, and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (your address). Is that correct?”

3. You say “yes.” The caller continues: “I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1-800 number listed on the back of your card and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this control number.” The caller then gives you a six-digit number. “Do you need me to read it again?”

4. Now for the important part. The caller needs to “verify you are in possession of your card.” You’re asked to “turn your card over and look for some numbers. There are seven numbers. The first four are your card number, the next three are the security numbers that verify you are in possession of the card. These are the numbers you use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. Read me the three numbers.” After you say the three numbers, the caller will say, “That is correct. I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?” After you say “no,” the caller then thanks you and states, “Don’t hesitate to call back if you do,” and hangs up.

During the call, you actually say very little—only the three-digit security code on the back of the card. But your next credit card statement will show the damage. That’s because criminals don’t need the actual credit cards they’re calling about, only the security code. With that code, they can make purchases over the phone, through mail order, and online.

What you should know is that your issuing card company already has this security code, so they will never ask you for it.

If you receive one of these calls, and aren’t sure what to do, tell them you have to call your credit card company directly for verification. Don’t use any phone numbers the caller provides; look on the back of your card for the real deal,

Scam alert: Fraudulant emails on the rise

Our friends at Silver Planet send this warning:

Fraudulent Emails on the Rise

There's been a burst of fraudulent emails lately, four of them purporting to be from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and one from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. We've posted four of the five in this article. But first, a quick review of what you'll be seeing:

When it comes to typos and mumbo-jumbo sentences--which scam emails are famous for--the first one won't disappoint. And not only does it come with a picture of someone (which we've deleted) to prove its legitimacy, it even comes with a warning to be wary of imposters!

Read entire article

Scam Alert: Swine Flu phishers

Our friends at Silver Planet send this. I haven't seen one personally--please let me know if you have.

Read the article

Discount prescription program!

Our friends at Silver Planet are offering you a very good discount prescription plan. You may be old enough (not THAT old!) to qualify. It's worth a look!

Scam Alert: Stimulus check solicitation

Our friends at Silver Planet send this very timely warning. Thanks, SP!

Liquidation "sales"

Our friends at Silver Planet have alerted us to some new scams, including liquidation "sales", work-at-home scams, and how to recognize scam language. Worth a read.

Scam Alert: Health Frauds

We all have a story from childhood about our first scam. Mine was the Charles Atlas program to save me from being a skinny kid getting sand kicked in his face by a beach muscleman. I think I still have the book somewhere.

Scammers are getting more and more creative (and believable) in their ongoing attempts to separate us from our pennies. Here's a helpful article from our friends at Silver Planet.

Beware of Health Fraud

Scam alert

Silver Planet has just released its latest scam alert, this one focused on the holidays. This is worth reading and sharing. Be careful out there!

New scam alert

Our friends at Silver Planet have just posted an updated list of current scams. It's worth your time to look at these. And in my opinion, it's worth your time to subscribe. Please let us know what you think (click COMMENTS below).

More on email scams

The Silver Planet Newsletter this month carries a well-written and informative article on how to recognize and deal with email scams.

Recommended reading in a recommended email magazine.