Warning: ATM/Debit Card Scam
The Steuben County Sheriff’s Office has received several reports from citizens who have received suspicious cell phone calls usually occurring on weekends.
Cell phone users have reportedly received automated calls from unknown users in the 843, 347, 999 or 304 area codes and the message usually states that the cell phone users ATM/Debit Card has been blocked and no transactions can be completed. 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 subjects will test the number and pin by attempting a $1.00 purchase from an online vendor. If the transaction is successful all funds within the account would be depleted in a relatively short amount of time.
This scam is commonly referred to as “Vishing” a variant of the Internet version of “Phishing”. Vishing utilizes software programs which target sequential telephone numbers such as (example) 607-329-1234, 607-329-1235….1236…1237…until an unsuspecting person releases the information.
Anyone who has received a similar cell phone call as described is urged to contact their local law enforcement agency and financial services provider immediately and report the call and check the status of their personal accounts.
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. If during normal business hours contact your local financial institution or if after hours contact the toll free number on the back of your credit/ATM/Debit card or the toll free number which appears on your latest account statement.
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