MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop B Headquarters - 308 Pine Crest Drive - Macon, Missouri 63552


NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt
(660) 385-2132
B12036
March 20, 2012

EMPHASIS: Possible Scams In Northeast Missouri


The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to inform citizens in Northeast Missouri about possible scams that have occurred in the area.
Recently, the Patrol received information from a citizen who received a telephone call from an individual claiming to be an agent of the "license bureau". The caller told the citizen they needed to replace the number on their driver's license. The caller then said in order to do this, they needed to obtain the citizen's social security number.
It is important to understand this is not proper protocol for the Missouri Department of Revenue, local license bureau, or any other reputable business. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States, and criminals often illegally obtain and use other individual's personal information for financial gain.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind citizens to NEVER provide any personal information, including social security numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers, to anyone over the telephone or e-mail. It is also a good idea to monitor your bank and credit card accounts for any suspicious activity. Recently, several local individuals have discovered unauthorized transactions on their accounts. Any unauthorized transaction should be reported immediately to your financial institution and local law enforcement agency.
If you believe you have become a victim of identity theft, please contact your local law enforcement agency or the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
(###)