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Phone Call Scam Posing as Bank Account Upgrade Confirmation
Scammers are targeting bank account holders with phone calls claiming to be from their bank to confirm an account upgrade. These calls are designed to trick victims into providing sensitive information that can be used to steal their money.
How the Scam Works
The scammer will call the victim and claim to be from their bank. They will say that they are calling to confirm an account upgrade that the victim recently requested. The scammer will then ask for personal information, such as:
- Bank account number
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- PIN number
The scammer may also ask for the victim to verify their identity by providing the last four digits of their Social Security number or by answering security questions.
Why It’s a Scam
Banks will never call you to ask for sensitive information over the phone. If you receive a call like this, it is a scam.
How to Protect Yourself
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank, hang up and call the bank directly using the number on the back of your debit or credit card.
Never give out your personal information over the phone unless you are sure who you are talking to.
Be suspicious of any caller who claims to be from your bank and asks for you to verify your account information or to make any changes to your account.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you have provided your personal information to a scammer, you should contact your bank immediately and report the incident. You should also contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338) or www.ftc.gov/idtheft.
Additional Tips
- Keep your bank account information confidential.
- Don’t click on links in emails or text messages that appear to be from your bank.
- Be wary of any caller who claims to be from your bank and offers you a free or discounted product or service.
- If you are not sure if a call is legitimate, hang up and call the bank directly.
