Bankruptcy Indiana

Identity theft scams is a thing about which I've been warning my Indiana bankruptcy clients and blog readers in recent months.  Then, just this week, three different bankruptcy clients from Anderson, Indiana contacted me about suspicious contacts. 

The first client, B., called to ask about a suspicious phone call she'd received, telling her she was about to be arrested for not reporting for jury duty. I investigated further, learning that this jury duty scam has been going on not only in Anderson, but in all 38 counties served by my bankruptcy law offices, and also in other states.  In fact, when I checked the FBI website, I saw this scam listed there.  The way it works is that the caller claims to be a jury coordinator and that a warrant is being issued for your arrest.  If you say you never received a jury summons, the caller asks for your social security number and date of birth to "verify" the information and "help you avoid arrest".

The other two bankruptcy clients had each received suspicious offers online.  One was a "medical billing opportunity" that turned out to be a total fraud; the second, also a scam, was about working from home keeping track of auction buyers.  My caution to you is, if you receive any kind of email with a "money-making" offer, it's best to check with the U.S. Department of Justice before even opening the email!

Several Indianapolis clients received emails from so-called "Nigerian officials", wanting them to transfer funds using their own bank accounts. There are hundreds of variations on these Internet-based scams.  For more information, you can call the Indiana Secretary of State's office at 317 232 0734 (toll-free 800 223 8791).

What motivates me to become involved in warning blog readers about scams is the fact that, as a bankruptcy lawyer, I see hardworking people struggling for their financial survival.  The last thing any of these people need is more heartache caused by heartless scammers!  I want to do my part to stop scammers dead in their tracks.