Automated Phone Call Scam Resurfaces

A credit union recently reported receiving hundreds of calls from members and nonmembers saying they received a phone call on their land line or cell phone with an automated message indicating their account may be locked or closed, or their card numbers were compromised. The automated phone call plays a recorded message claiming to be from a credit union (or bank), requesting verification of financial information (e.g., account number, card number or PIN). The victims are asked to enter their credit or debit card number.

Never respond to any telephone call requesting personal or financial information if a suspected call is received. Your legitimate financial institutions will never ask you to disclose information of this type.

• If you receive this type of call to report it to the following:
  Credit union; 909 984-8781
  Federal Trade Commission (877.382.4357);
  Local law enforcement; and
  Phone carrier -- land line or cell phone provider.
• If you have responded to such a call by providing account or card information, upon notification the credit union will close or block the compromised account(s) to prevent fraudulent transactions.
• Members who provide the requested information during the call should contact one of the three credit bureaus to place an "initial fraud alert" on their credit report.