A popular scam in the Sacramento (NorCal Area) is the latest SMUD late payment scam. "Not a new one by any means". In the P.I. world there are many ruses out there to gain information for investigative reasons. Scamming and victimizing is not the goal for P.I.s though as it it for criminals, identity theives and the like. Make sure you are up on these by checking out the FBI's list of common scams at: http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/e-scams  or you can check out other helpful public service websites such as: Bytecrime.org at http://www.bytecrime.org/  Fox News just reported on this happening in our region recently so be aware that it is happening out there right now. The number one way to protect yourself is do not give out information "over the telephone" without you (yourself) initiating the call. Always that the number you are calling or the website you  visiti is a legitimate and secure phone number and/or web address. It is always best if you initiate the call and contact.  Make sure to do so through the service provider's statement that you are mailed monthly or their main website. Here is the Fox News story that hit the press on this recently: http://fox40.com/2013/01/14/smud-warns-of-convincing-scammers/  Spread the word...

Don't be a victim, be aware and share this article and forum with a friend and/or family member.

-Jeff Berns   "The RightPI"    web: www.rightpi.com    email: rpisleuth@gmail.com   pho: 916.905.2559