FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - The latest telephone scam sweeping the country is a very convincing one.

Viewers tell Indiana's NewsCenter that they have received a call from an individual accusing the victim of failing to appear for jury duty. The scammer then asks for the victim's date of birth and social security number.

The scammer claims the personal information will be used to cancel the arrest warrant, but police say the information is actually used to wreck your credit.

The scam has been reported in 11 states so far, including Indiana.

The Indiana State Police have provided a list of steps you can take to protect your identity and your credit.

* Release your social security number only when absolutely necessary.
* Do not have your social security number printed on your checks
* Have new checks delivered to your bank, not your home
* Order your social security earnings statement every year to check for fraud
* Cross-cut shred your credit card receipts, bills and other financial information
* Order your credit report once a year to check for fraud
* Do not leave envelopes containing your bill payments in your mailbox
* Do not carry credit cards, birth certificates, social security cards or passport cards in your wallet
* Do not create PIN numbers by utilizing your home address, date of birth or consecutive numbers