KSP Post 15 warns of new scam involving stolen cell phones

[DMS]

KSP Post 15 warns of new scam involving stolen cell phones

Thief emptied couple's bank account after texting husband on phone stolen from wife's purse. Got PIN number. There are precautions to prevent the new identity theft, Tpr. Gregory says
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FromTpr. Billy Gregory, Public Affairs Officer
Kentucky State Police Post 15, Columbia, KY

Post 15 has received information in reference to a new identity theft scam that has been developed through the use of stolen cell phones.

Recently, a lady's handbag was stolen which contained her cell phone. The thief used the cell phone to text the lady's husband asking him to text her the PIN number for their bank account. The husband replied and within 20 minutes all of their money had been withdrawn from the bank account.

Kentucky State Police are advising that when entering contacts into your cell phone directory, avoid using names such as "mom", "dad" or "home". These names describe relationships and may provide other important information that would not normally be disclosed.

If texts are received asking for personal information, call the number back to confirm the request. Also, be cautious about meeting "friends and family" at a specified location if requested to do so by text. Parent's should insure that their children's directories are also void of these types of entries.

[katie]

WOW, this is disturbing in so many ways... it boggles my mind that so many smart people can come up with so many ways not to have to hold down a regular job!!!!

Sad to know that if a child got hit by a car, knowing he will not have any other kind of ID on him, how would they know his name? who to call? even if 911, hospitals won't do anything without parents consent....