June 11, 2007
If you should receive a letter from a credit card company requesting an additional payment, chances are good that it's just another scam.
New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte says consumers in her state have reported getting the bogus letter.
Dear Cardmember: We recently received your payment, and we are sorry that we are unable to process the payment for you, the letter states.
The letter then indicates that in order to . . .keep your account current, please send us another payment . . ." and further instructs the consumer to". . . indicate your account number on the face of the check.
Ayotte says this type of scam is used to deceive consumers into disclosing their card numbers and account information. Once the crook has your information, it may be used to steal your identity and run up bills in your name. This type of crime costs consumers serious financial loss by draining their accounts and ruining their credit.
If you are asked to provide or verify your personal information from a company that appears legitimate, always check the contact information with a reliable source such as a previous statement from the business before giving out your personal information, Ayotte said.
