SEATTLE- Scammers Pose as Delta Airlines and Local Utility Crews

A recent report on KOMO TV News, http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/scammers-posing-as-Delta-Airlines-seattle-city-light-134155553.html?tab=video&c=y, highlights two scams going around in the country and locally in the Puget Sound region:

1.      Delta Airlines reports that someone is sending phishing emails to Delta customers confirming “round-trip flights” between New York and San Francisco. The emails are extremely realistic and have links to click on. Do not click on those links! They will take you to fake web sites that will try to collect your personal information or infect your computer with viruses or malware. Delta did not send these emails. For more information go to http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/flight_status_updates/advisories/email_phishing/index.jsp to read Delta’s “Phishing Email Alert.”

2.      Seattle City Light warns its customers about two con artists who have been going around in an unmarked truck claiming to be contractors for Seattle City Light. They knock on the door of houses that have a large tree that they claim needs to be trimmed. While the homeowner goes with one man look at the tree, the other man sneaks into the home to see what could be stolen. Seattle City Light says that its employees with always have picture ID with them and their vehicles will be clearly marked. While such scams have not received publicity lately in Snohomish County, the PUD warns its customers to be careful if someone claiming to be a PUD employee comes to your door. Ask to see their company picture ID. If you have any questions about a PUD employee, call PUD Customer Service at (425) 783-1000 (https://www.facebook.com/snopud/posts/279454462099440 ).

EVERETT- ATM Skimming Suspect Arrested

The Everett Police Department recently arrested a man suspected of skimming 900 credit cards. As a result, he is suspected of stealing $185,000 from ATM machines in three states. Locally, the man is suspected of stealing credit card information from 70 people in south Everett.

Skimmers place devices over the normal slots of ATM machines to capture the account numbers of credit and debit cards as they are entered into the machine. Sometimes, skimmers will also strategically place a camera to capture PIN numbers as well. (The Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20111115/NEWS01/711159832#Suspect-arrested-in-alleged-ATM-skimming-at-south-Everett-bank )

Follow these safety tips to avoid becoming a victim:

• Don't use ATMs that appear to be broken or have broken parts. 
• If a bank has more than one machine but one has an out-of-service note, go to a different branch. Some skimmers use the signs to direct victims to use ATMs at the same location that they've rigged with skimming devices.
• Be wary of anything gluey or sticky around the key pad or card slot, or anything that could hide a camera.
• Make sure the card reader is securely attached to the machine. It should not come loose if you wiggle it.
• Always try to cover the keypad with your hand when you enter your PIN, in case there is a camera nearby.

For more information about how to protect yourself, go to:
 

KING 5- How to spot a Skimmer

http://www.king5.com/news/consumer/How-to-spot-a-skimmer-on-an-ATM-machine--119446539.html