Abstract: United One Resources has recently become aware of a growing number of telephone fraud tactics seeking consumers’ Social Security numbers and credit card information.

The perpetrators often prey upon unknowing individuals by creating a façade that they represent credit related entities such as a credit card company, credit reporting agency or a collection company.  They then ask the consumer to provide detailed information, including Social Security numbers, bank account information and credit card account numbers.

We want to assure consumers that United One Resources will NEVER ask for personal information or ask to CONFIRM personal information of any kind.  The caller ID information from the fraudulent calls will show 1-800-932-5673. These calls are not originating from United One Resources.

We take these threats seriously and are working with the appropriate authorities on this issue.  United One Resources, in its course of business, does not contact consumers for this information.  We work directly with lenders to facilitate loan decisions by providing accurate and timely credit information.  All consumer information that we use in our normal course of business is provided by the lender and the three national credit reporting agencies—Experian, Equifax and Trans Union.  We do not have a business practice that requires contacting consumers for their information.  In addition, we safeguard all consumer information that we obtain in our business and are bound by Federal and State privacy laws.

If you are contacted by someone requesting personal information, such as Social Security numbers or account numbers, DO NOT COMPLY. You should also consider reporting these acts to law enforcement officials and your phone provider’s fraud department. Before placing any further calls, dial *57 to obtain the caller information from the previous call. If you have any further questions, please call our offices at 1-800-438-8653 and dial extension 2750.

Published on Thursday, February 21, 2008