Abilene cell phone users have been the latest recipients’ of a Nation-wide surge of Phishing attacks delivered via text messages. At 10:30 am, Wednesday December 10, 2008, cell phones with text messaging capability lit up with a message that their “Credit Union Account” had been locked, then offering a toll free number to call. The messages varied with Communities of Abilene FCU, Abilene FCU, and Federal Credit Union Association being mentioned.
The crime is often referred to as "phishing," a high-tech scam that uses spam to deceive consumers into disclosing their Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Phishing is considered a two-time scam. First it steals a company's identity and then uses it to victimize consumers by stealing their credit identities.
The BBB suggest the following tips:
Do not respond – calling the toll free number can supply caller ID info.
If you provide PII- call your bank or credit union immediately, and change your account numbers.
According to the FBI there is a sudden and serious rash of vishing across the country. “Vishing” is the term for automated calls or text messages to phones and cell phones with the specific goal of gaining personal information for the purposes of identity theft. “Phishing” is when the scam is perpetrated by email.
The calls being reported the last several days have a similar message: “Dear Communities of Abilene FCU customer, we regret to inform you that we had to lock your account. To reactivate it, call 866-709-6737, toll free.
The BBB called the number to find out what kind of information is being requested from victims who fall for the ruse. The number connects the caller to an automated system with this script:
- Welcome to our 24-hour telephone banking system. If you would like to reactivate your account, press 1.
- To leave, press 2.
- Please enter your 16-digit account number.
- Please enter your expiration date.
- Please enter your 4-digit pin number to complete the verification process.
- Please wait while your card is verified.
- Your card has been activated. Thank you for banking with us
The BBB cautions consumers to NEVER provide personal or financial information to anyone who contacts you. If you have reason to think you have been contacted by a company or bank that you have a relationship with, pull out your original documentation and contact them using the phone numbers or Web sites that are listed on your contract or statement.
Start With Trust. If you receive an offer or call that sounds suspicious check it out with your BBB. If you see something that you feel should be investigated by the BBB, give us a call.