Identifying security scams

The more information you can gather from a potential scam artist, the more helpful it will be to authorities in their efforts to identifying security scams and apprehending criminals engaged in scam activity. Here's information authorities may find helpful:

• What information, if any, did the scam artists already know about you when they contacted you?
• What type of contact did the scam artists make (i.e., phone call, letter, email, door-to-door visit, etc.)?
• If contacted by phone, did you get the caller's phone number (using caller ID or by asking for a return number)?
• If contacted by letter or email, can you provide authorities with a copy?

If the State Farm® name was used in connection with a scam, we would appreciate knowing about it, whether or not you are a State Farm customer. You can help us by identifying security scams and help authorities by notifying a local State Farm agent or other authorized State Farm representative and providing the information above.

Consider notifying the following authorities to report a suspected scam:

• The local police, who can also alert other appropriate authorities if they deem it necessary.
• The local Better Business Bureau.
• The U.S. Postal Service if you received what looks like a fraudulent letter or check through the U.S. mail. Learn more about preventing mail fraud [PDF-1.4MB].

If you provided any personal or private information to a suspected scam artist, such as information about your insurance policies, financial accounts, or credit cards, or if you otherwise responded to the scam, contact local law enforcement authorities immediately.

If you provided financial or account information, contact the appropriate financial entities to report the possible fraud:

• Insurance agent.
• Bank.
• Credit Card company.
• Credit-monitoring services.

You will also want to carefully monitor any potentially affected bank or credit card statements or credit reports for fraudulent or suspicious activity.

State Farm offers the following information about security safeguards and identity theft:

• Email fraud/Phishing
• Browser security
• State Farm privacy policy
• Email fraud/phishing tips for bank customers
• Financial cards and ATM safety
• Identity theft resources
• Lost or stolen cards
• Purchases and online security
• Rights and privileges

Visit the following web sites:

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)  - Protecting America's Consumers
• FTC Facts for Consumers  (information about counterfeit check scams)
• Scambusters  (with links to resources for avoiding and reporting scams)
• Fight Identity Theft  (information about identity theft and other scams)