Phone Call Scam: Credit Card Account Suspension Confirmation
Overview
Fraudsters are targeting consumers with a phone call scam that claims to be from a legitimate financial institution. The scammers claim that the consumer’s credit card account has been suspended due to suspicious activity.
How the Scam Works
The scammers typically call victims from a number that appears to belong to the consumer’s financial institution. They may know the victim’s name and account number, which can make the call seem more legitimate.
The scammers will then claim that the consumer’s credit card account has been suspended due to suspicious activity. They may ask the victim to provide personal information, such as their date of birth, Social Security number, or credit card number. They may also ask the victim to confirm a four-digit code that is sent via text message.
Consequences of the Scam
If you provide your personal information to the scammers, they can use it to steal your identity or access your financial accounts. They may also use the four-digit code to gain access to your mobile banking app.
How to Avoid the Scam
- Never give out your personal information over the phone unless you have initiated the call and are sure you are speaking to a legitimate representative of your financial institution.
- Be wary of calls from numbers that appear to be from your financial institution but are not listed as such in your contacts.
- If you are unsure whether a call is legitimate, hang up and call your financial institution directly using the number listed on your account statement or the institution’s website.
- Do not provide any four-digit code that is sent to your phone via text message unless you are sure you are speaking to a legitimate representative of your financial institution.
Reporting the Scam
If you have been targeted by this scam, you should report it to your financial institution and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at:
- Phone: 1-877-382-4357
- Website: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
