Automated Bank Call

[uujudy]

I hope this is the right place for this. I received an automated call on my cell phone at 8:15 at night, saying that it was my bank and that my debit card had been compromised. The automated voice then asked me to enter my debit card number, so I hung up. (I didn't call them; they called me)

I called the bank today, and they said they don't think they use automated calls, and I should check my account online to see if there is any suspicious activity. I should let them know immediately if something doesn't look right, and their fraud division would get right on it. The caller ID on the phone had an actual phone number (not *blocked* or *anonymous*) so I gave the phone number to the bank person (the real one, not the automated one).

I checked my account, and everything looks ok. Meanwhile, HoneyBoy said they also called his cell phone at 10:30 at night. He hung up, too. Has anybody else received automated calls from their bank at night?

[Trish Crocker]

Your bank would never, ever ask you to enter you number unless you initiated the call. You were right to hang up!

[Pturner]

UU,
Thanks so much for the warning, and reminder to folks not to give out their information.

Please email or call the fraud division of your bank. The customer service person you spoke with may or may not take the time to do so. The fact that you a return phone number is good, although it is probably a disposable cell phone number.

The Posse can't handle this one. These vermin need to be tracked down and stopped. Please call the fraud dept. and report it.

Thanks again.

[Schaumburger]

UUJudy, No I have not received automated calls from my bank regarding my debit card. I did have a problem a few years ago where someone got a hold of my debit card number and was making several small, unauthorized charges (under $100). So I had to go to the hassle of getting a new debit card.

A few years ago I used to get fraudulent e-mails at my work e-mail address from several "banks" which I never had an account with asking for personal information. You did the right thing to contact your bank. Too bad these scammers can't put their knowledge and time to good use instead of trying to rip people off...

[uujudy]

Update...Just as I was about to call my bank, they called me back. They said it was definitely a fake call, and now they want me to come in and talk to their fraud department.
I'll keep you posted!

[uujudy]

Here's an update on my automated bank call:
This was a HUGE fraud. It was all over the news in Utah. http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/52391288-79/fargo-wells-phishing-customers.html.csp

The scammers called thousands of Utah phone numbers, and the bank was on the news warning everybody not to give out their account numbers. The said they would never call customers and ask for account numbers.
Since we still use our Utah cell phone numbers, the scammers called us, too.

Bottom line:

If you call the bank, it's ok to discuss your accounts.

If the bank calls you & wants your account numbers, tell them you'll call them back. Don't call them back at the number they gave you on the phone. Call the bank's number in the phone book.

[dillywho]

If they say it's your bank and they need your number, that's your first clue. Your bank would already have your number. There would also be no reason to "verify" it since your phone number(s) would also be on your account.

Smart move to hang up and call your bank or go there in person. :BigApplause:

They need to know in order to stop this kind of crapola.