BBB Alerts Consumers to Not Respond to Voice Based Phishing Scam
The Better Business Bureau of Detroit and Eastern Michigan reports that consumers across the country are reporting receiving fraudulent phone calls at all hours of the day and night concerning their debit cards.
Your Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers not to fall for this new voice based phishing scam.
Consumers have told the BBB that they have been getting phone calls in the form of an automated voice message alerting them that their debit cards are inactive or frozen. The automated system then prompts listeners to press one to re-activate their card and in turn asks for their card number and PIN. Caller ID does display a phone number. However, the number is invalid and not the true source of the call.
BBB advises consumers to hang up immediately if you receive this call and report the call to your bank, as well as, the Federal Trade Commission. Also, consumers should check for any fraudulent activity on their accounts.
"These scammers are looking for consumers to trust the call is legitimate by purporting to be from real banks or agencies", said Patrick Bennett, BBB Director of Community Relations. "That is why they should hang up and contact their bank directly to verify if indeed there is an issue with their account."
Your BBB advises consumers to be on the lookout for this scam and offers the following advice:
* Be wary of any suspicious phone calls or text messages asking for personal or financial information.
* If asked for bank information, call your bank directly to confirm that there really is a problem.
* Don't reply to automated system prompts, text messages or call the number indicated in the message.
* Never provide personal or financial information over the telephone to people you do not know.
* If you believe you are a victim of a "phishing" bank scam, call your bank immediately to place the proper blocks on your account.
* Legitimate businesses and organizations do not use automated voice messages or send texts claiming problems with an account to lure the people into revealing financial information.
* File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by calling 1-877-HELP.
For more advice, visit http://easternmichigan.bbb.org/Consumer-Tips/.
