August 26, 2008
Another state has reported that EPPICard users are being targeted by scammers. The EPPICard is used in 14 states to distribute state payments, such as child support. The Texas Attorney General's Office says parents who use the card to access their child support payments have become targets of an identity theft scam.
According to the Internet Complaint Center, EPPICard users nationwide have reported receiving e-mail, voice and text messages falsely indicating problems with their accounts. Card users are directed to update their accounts or correct a problem by clicking on a Web link included within the message.
The link directs the individuals to a fraudulent Web site where their personal information, such as account number and PIN, is compromised. Recipients of these messages also may be directed to call a phone number.
EPPICard users also have reported receiving an e-mail message offering payments to those who complete an online survey. At the end of the survey, users are asked for their EPPICard account information so that funds can be credited to the account. By providing the requested information, users put their financial information at risk.
EPPICard providers indicate they are not affiliated with survey Web sites and do not solicit personal information via e-mail or text messages.
Debit card users should be vigilant and avoid this new twist on old e-mail scheme, says Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. Parents should never open unsolicited e-mails or click on Web links that appear in an unsolicited e-mail. Doing so could activate hidden viruses or other malicious software or direct users to a decoy Web site that allows identity thieves to collect the information they need to empty the users' bank accounts and ruin their credit.
