How to avoid Card Inactive or Frozen Scam
Source: admin Release Time: 09:35:33 2018-09-20
Credit union members are being targeted by a scam aimed at tricking them into revealing their debit and credit card information. Members are reporting that they receive official-sounding text messages that supposedly come from their credit union. The texts inform the recipients that "Your debit card (or credit card) has been deactivated." They are then asked to provide their debit or credit card number, PIN and expiration date. Specifically the scam on Tuesday, November 16th , reported by Omaha Police FCU read, “FCU ALERT: Your CARD starting with 4115 has been DEACTIVATED. Please call 402-210-2280.”The messages appear to be blanketing the region at random.
Consumers are urged to be extremely cautious of any message or e-mail that requests credit or debit card information, or any other sensitive personal information. These contacts often are scams perpetuated by people looking to commit identity theft. Financial institutions never request information in this way. Scammers set non-stop phone calls, in the form of automated voice messages, alerting recipients that their debit cards are inactive, frozen or locked. The automated system prompts listeners to press 1 to re-activate the card and, once the key is pressed, the robot asks for their card number and PIN. How to avoid: Never trust automated voice messages when you pick up a call. Just hang up.