Beware: Phone Scam Posing as Bank Account Fraud Prevention
Fraudsters are targeting individuals with phone calls claiming to be from their bank’s fraud prevention department. These calls are designed to trick victims into revealing personal and financial information, potentially leading to financial losses.
How the Scam Works:
- The scammer calls and identifies themselves as an employee of the victim’s bank.
- They claim to have detected suspicious activity on the victim’s account, such as unauthorized transactions or attempts to access their funds.
- To "verify" the victim’s identity, the scammer requests personal information, such as their name, Social Security number, and account number.
- They may also ask for sensitive financial information, such as debit card or PIN numbers.
- The scammer may pressure the victim into taking immediate action by threatening to close their account or freeze their funds if they don’t provide the requested information.
Warning Signs:
- Legitimate banks will never ask you for personal or financial information over the phone.
- The scammer may have your name, phone number, and partial account number, but they may not have access to all of your account details.
- The scammer’s phone number may appear to be legitimate, but it could be spoofed.
- The caller may create a sense of urgency or panic to pressure you into acting quickly.
Protecting Yourself:
- If you receive a call claiming to be from your bank’s fraud prevention department, hang up immediately.
- Do not provide any personal or financial information over the phone.
- If you are concerned about suspicious activity on your account, call your bank directly using the number on the back of your debit or credit card.
- Report the fraudulent call to your bank and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
Remember: Your bank will never ask you for sensitive information over the phone. Always be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, and protect your personal and financial data.
