Warning About New Robo-Calling Scam
BOSTON (CBS) - Hundreds of people are complaining about a robo-calling scam that won't seem to go away, and in fact, has moved to using text messages as well.
Attorney General Martha Coakley's office said Friday that the scam seeks to gain access to consumers' bank account information and social security numbers and has already gotten several victims.
The Attorney General's office says so far they have received more than 300 complaints. At least ten people reported giving out their personal information.
WBZ-TV's Jim Armstrong reports
"This scam has not slowed down or stopped, and now includes text messages to consumers' cell phones that attempt to steal personal information," AG Coakley said. "We are again warning people not to provide any personal banking information based on an automated phone call or text message."
Coakley's office provided recordings of the two reported scams that can be heard here and here.
Each call claims the bank has locked the person's bank or credit card account and gives steps to unlock it.
The AG's advice is to simply hang up the phone.
If you believe you were a victim of this scam, the AG's office offers the following advice:
- Call one of the three major credit bureaus and place a one-call fraud alert on your credit report.
- Immediately examine your bank account for any suspicious activity.
- Contact the fraud departments of your credit card issuers or bank.
- Order a copy of your credit report, and look for unauthorized activity.
- If there is unexplained activity on your credit report, you may want to place an extended fraud alert on your credit report.
