Scam Alert: It’s Not the Bank Calling

By Justin Head

The Evening Tribune

Hornell, N.Y.

The scammers are at it again.

Local law enforcement agencies are warning local residents to beware of an ongoing cell phone scam in which people are solicited to revel confidential bank account information from a person imitating their banker.

“Right now, there is information coming back that the calls are originating from Romania and Bulgaria,” said Undersheriff Ray Dell.

He said investigators were tipped off after two local credit unions received the calls and became suspicious.

According to the sheriff’s office, local cell phone users have reportedly received automated calls from unknown users with 843, 347, 999, or 304 area codes accompanied by a message that says the person being called has an ATM/debit card that has been blocked and will not allow transactions.

The message continues to say that in order to “unblock” the card, the user should press “1”, enter their 16 digit account number and “PIN” number.

Once the account number and pin are acquired the victim will “test” the number and pin by attempting a purchase from an online vendor. If the transaction is successful, all funds within the account can be depleted in a relatively short amount of time.

Dell said the perpetrators are making the calls during the weekends and evening hours.

“People can get duped. A person is out shopping or running errands and think they need to have access to their card so they comply,” he said.

Investigators believe the perpetrators use sequential telephone number software, making call after call until an unsuspecting person releases information.

“Financial institutions will never call or ask for a personal account number or password. Only discuss financial business with someone you call and never with anyone who randomly calls you,” states a sheriff’s office release.

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who has received a similar cell phone call to contact police and financial services provider immediately.