Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley is warning consumers to be extremely wary of telephone calls requesting sensitive banking information.
These “robo-calls” play recorded messages that claim to be from major banks, according to a release from the District Attorney’s office.
The message states there is a problem with the “banking network” and asks for verification of banking account information, including credit and debit card numbers, along with personal identification numbers (PINs).
Criminals use this information to take over victims’ bank accounts, apply for credit cards or obtain cash using victims’ legitimate debit card numbers and personal identification numbers (PINs).
”Consumers need to be extremely wary of telephone calls requesting sensitive information about banking or credit cards,” Cooley said. “Legitimate banks and financial institutions do not call their customers to request personal identifying information or discuss banking network problems.”
Recipients of these calls should not provide any information. They should contact the customer service department of their bank in person, over a land-line telephone or online after confirming their Internet connection is secure and their normal security user name, password and site keys have been displayed.
If consumers believe they are victims of this fraud, they should contact local law enforcement.
Darlene J. says
My dad ALMOST a victim! This is real people! and yes there are people who are doing this and preying on vulnerable people such as Senior Citizens.