Technology

FBI Warns Of High-Tech Cyber ID Theft

Thieves Can Now Access Your Personal Information Through E-Mail, Instant Messaging And Text Messaging

Feds Have Helpful Hints On How You Can Avoid Being A Victim

NEW YORK (CBS) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: CBS

Close

numSlides of totalImages

There is a warning about new efforts by cyber-criminals, CBS station WCBS-TV reported.

With so many disgraced financial executives in the news lately, Panos Anastassiadis says an email from a stranger made him a little anxious after he read the subject line.

"Senior execs were sent subpoenas to appear in court," Anastassiadis said of the message.

The e-mail was designed to mislead Panos. For a second, he thought it was referring to executives within his company because he works for an Internet security firm.

It turns out, the e-mail was a fraud. Had Panos opened it, the message would have allowed criminals access to any personal information stored on his computer.

The FBI said it's just one of many new cyber scams their complaint center is hearing about these days, WCBS-TV reported.

"We receive approximately 22,000 consumer complaints per month," FBI agent Charles Pavelites said.

That's up more than 30 percent over last year. Authorities say the tough economy has even the bad guys stepping up efforts to get their hands on your personal information and they are using text messages and voice mail.

"You get a text message, they can have the same things that e-mails have on them. They can have a virus on them. They can have malware on them that somehow get information off your cell phone on them," Pavelites said.

When criminals manipulate voice mail systems they can make calls appear to be coming from anyone. Imagine your phone rings: the caller ID reads FBI and the caller identifies himself as an agent and asks for your social security number.

"Scammers have found ways to utilize this technology and circumvent the caller ID systems to make it look like they're from a legitimate business," Pavelites said.

With those most in need becoming the biggest targets.

"We see mortgage fraud and debt elimination schemes work at home," Pavelites said.

To protect yourself in the case of requests for personal information, experts advise calling the bank or business back to confirm. Use the phone number you have on file, not the number that comes up on caller ID.

"In most places, you lock the door behind you when you come in. Do the same with places on the Internet. Update your virus ware, spam filters. Update your spyware," Pavelites said.

Thieves are also starting to employ instant messaging to get your banking information and passwords.

To find out more on how these crimes work and how to protect yourself, click here.