Internet Scam Targets Families of Military

The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about a scam targeting families of military members, according to an alert from the American Red Cross.

A caller, claiming to work for the Red Cross, notifies individuals that their family member has been injured while on duty. To get immediate aid to the injured service member, the caller says, paperwork must be completed, and personal information must be verified.

The FTC, the nation's consumer protection agency, says this scheme is a variation of "phishing" -- a technique identity thieves use to get personal or financial information from unwary consumers. The identity thief claims to represent a trusted source -- a bank, a government agency, or in this case, the American Red Cross -- to get someone to divulge personal information.

The FTC urges military family members not to give out personal information on the phone if they are contacted by an individual they don't know , or through the Internet if the message comes via e-mail. According to the American Red Cross, its representatives typically do not contact military members or their families directly.

Because victims of phishing schemes can become victims of identify theft, individuals can also visit www.ftc.gov/idtheft. The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them.

To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, (877) FTC-HELP (1-877-3824357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261