Cell-Phone-Scam

Phone scammers target PC users with phony virus reports

Fraud Alert

James City County - Virginia Residents are being urged not to respond to automated phone calls to their cell phone, regarding deactivation of their ATM card.

The automated message claims their ATM card has been deactivated. The message then prompts the listener to follow directions to reactivate the card, which includes providing the pin number.

Scammers then run to an ATM and withdraw money.

The above article (excerpted) ran in The Virginia Gazette Aug 29, 2009. But, the underlying scammer principle, is for you to give them a pin number associated with an account number! This can actually be done for a credit card number, and it can be done via e-mail.

This Cell-Phone-Scam, is a little old, but the concept still applies!

Your defense: Never give out account numbers, Social Security numbers or Pin numbers, until you are absolutely certain this is necessary, which is almost never!

Legitimate Banks or Credit Card Companies, would not ask for these via Cell Phone or e-mail. I personally would initiate a call to my bank, (not from any link!, but from a telephone book, or other legitimate source), to see if there is a problem. If there is a problem with my debit card, I would drive to the bank, and have it repaired, face to face with a Bank Officer that I know and trust!