A friend of mine shared this debit card banking scam with me recently and I thought it would be a good idea to make others aware. This scam is based on a little knowledge that the scammers ascertain in order to lure in potential victims.
The Phishing Scam
I just got an automated call from my bank asking me if I had received a text message informing me that my debit card had been deactivated and to call a phone number to get my card reactivated. The information they would need is the 3 digit number on the back of the card.
I called my bank and the girl that I usually speak with told me that around 8PM last night many people received this text and it wasn’t just customers at the bank I use, but from other banks in the area. The scammers know that the first 4 digits of the debit card are common from the banking institution in the same area and they used this information as bait.
I wouldn’t have known about it, but the bank called to let people know they would never text a message like that. I probably didn’t get the text because I no longer use that cell phone.
It is easy for scammers to acquire such information to lure in victims in believing that the call is from a real bank. Most people are unaware that there are commonalities with debit cards.
Always call your banking institution before handing over any personal information. Banks will never ask you for personal information via email.
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Thanks for the article Frank.
So many scams going on now it’s crazy.
What I find mind boggling is the criminal being able to find out the cell phone numbers of the debit card owners.Unless they hacked into the banks and got all of that information and needed the rest of the card number information.
Scary.
Rocket Bunny,
It is scary on how they get their information, but even more scary is how many victims fall for it.
It’s really a problem when you give up debit card information, as the fraud protections aren’t as strong as with a credit card. With a debit card, you gotta check your statement and report it almost immediately to avoid losing money (with no recourse).
Very true about fraud protection when using debit versus credit. I usually always opt to pay by credit because the bank protects that type of payment from fraud and provides reimbursement.
Phishers are terrible, best protection is education.
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