DA’s Office warns of resurgent telephone scam

JEFFERSON COUNTY – A telephone scam that uses fake calls warning victims their ATM card is to be canceled because of fraudulent activity has resurfaced, according to an alert issued by District Attorney Scott Storey.

“This is a scam and its hitting our area hard,” Storey said.

Several potential victims contacted the DA’s ofice in the past few days reporting “disturbing” automated calls, purportedly from their bank or credit union, saying the targeted “customer’s” ATM card has been canceled or deactivated because fraudulent activity. The would-be victim is then asked to enter credit card information or other personal and identifying information so the “bank” can investigate and reactivate the card or reverse charges on the account.

The scam targets people who are customers of local banks or credit unions. The calls are random and the financial institution they claim to represent may not be the customer’s actual bank, according to the DA’s Office.

The scam is one of many active “phishing” methods used by con artists to gain access to consumers’ credit card, debit card or ATM card numbers, according to Storey.

“Fraudsters consider it a good day if they confuse or sway just one person into providing them with their personal financial information,” Storey said, “They then use that information to obtain cash or merchandise.”

A legitimate bank or credit union will never use an automated call to contact a victim of fraudulent activity, according to the alert.

The DA’s Office recommends that folks never provide personal or financial information over the phone to anyone unless they can absolutely verify they do represent your bank or credit union.

Anyone who believes they have fallen victim to an identity theft scam should contact their bank or credit union.