PROVO -- Santa Claus is not the only one coming to town this time of year.
So are crooks and con artists who want to exploit the generous nature of Utahns.The Utah County Attorney's Office is warning residents of yet another scheme designed to bilk them out of their money.
Lt. Doug Witney, chief investigator, said a Utah County man received a phone call Wednesday from someone claiming to represent his credit card company. The caller said the company was trying to correct some inaccuracies and asked for his credit card number.
The man began to give it, but stopped and asked for more information about the company, including its toll-free 800 number. The caller gave him a number, but refused to give any more information and hung up. The man contacted the county attorney's office.
An investigation revealed that the 800 number had been disconnected for two months and had not belonged to any credit card company.
Witney said he wants to warn others to beware of the seemingly benign request.
"Your credit card company should have your credit card number. They don't need to ask," Witney said.
Credit card crime skyrockets in November and December, when people use their cards more than any other time during the year. The state is especially worried about fraudulent phone solicitations.
Utah Attorney General Jan Graham is also joining the fight to crack down on fraudulent charities. She has announced the state is taking part in "Operation Missed Giving," a nationwide effort involving the Federal Trade Commission, the American Association of Retired Persons and 40 states.
The joint initiative targets telephone fund raisers and others who misrepresent ties with local law enforcement, firefighters, veterans' groups, health organizations and nonprofit organizations.
The group has released a list of questions to ask a telephone solicitor. The first line of defense is to ask questions and get written information. The suggested questions include:
What is the full name of the charity and where are you located?
Are you registered with the state to solicit funds? What is your permit number?
How will my contributions be spent?
What percentage of my contributions will be used for charitable purposes?
Can I get this material in writing?
The group also warns of charities that have names sounding like well-known groups and to watch out for charities who raise money through sweepstakes or gifts.
Graham said Utahns getting telephone requests for donations should check the charitable organization through the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, 800-721-7233, the Philanthropic Advisory Service of the Better Business Bureau, 703-276-0109, or the National Charities Information Bureau, 212-929-6300.