A new scam has been identified in which consumers are advised by phone that they are eligible for a refund under the Firestone tire recall program. Consumers are told they are qualified for refunds from $200 to $286.
The reported calls have been received by consumers in eight states to date (Indiana, Louisiana, California, Connecticut, New York, Alabama, New Hampshire and Georgia) and have used a variety of ruses to obtain personal information on consumers. None of the consumers contacted owned recalled tires or had requested a refund but all were asked for personal information such as confirmation of their address, Social Security numbers, birth date, and bank account numbers and in one instance the address where her husband worked.
"We do not contact customers by phone to tell them they qualify for a refund," assures Larry Perdue, manager of Bridgestone Firestone Customer Retention Services. He went on to say, "If they submitted a refund request or reconsideration request under the Agreed Final Judgment with 50 attorney states generals they are notified in writing."
One of the most devastating abuses of personal information is identity theft, which occurs when someone steals personal identifying information such as a Social Security number, birth date or mother's maiden name, is to open new charge accounts, order merchandise or borrow money.
"If consumers are contacted under these circumstances or have questions about their rebates, they should contact Bridgestone Firestone Consumer Affairs at (800) 367-3872," said Perdue.
Detailed information on Identity Theft scams can be obtained by logging onto www.chicago.bbb.org and selecting the Identity Theft blue button on the right side of the page.
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