“Are you John Q. Citizen?”
“I am.”
“I’m Joe Scumbag from the Frizzelfrazle Sheriff Department. We have a warrant for your arrest, contempt of court. You failed to show up for jury duty.”
John Q. Citizen is freaked out and blurts out, “But I never received a summons!”
Joe Scumbag then relents a bit in his voice. “Rats! we’ve been having problems with our data base. Let me confirm somethings. What’s your social security number.”

Just like Parks’ story, the fraudster plays on the victim’s vulnerability, like a grandparent’s desire to help a grandchild. Don’t give out your social security number, expiration date on credit cards. A reputable bank will never send you an e-mail asking for these things.

Unfortunately in this day and age you need to think like a criminal to protect yourself.