Thursday, June 6, 2013

CCSO: Hang Up On New Phone Scams


The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is cautioning residents about some new telephone scams making the rounds.

These scams seek to trick people into releasing credit card and other personal information.

In one of these scams, the victim receives a call on their cell phone from phone number 5595. An automated voice states, “Your debit card has been locked. To unlock it, press 1.” Upon pressing 1 an automated voice then directs the victim to enter his or her 16-digit credit card number.

Another scam involves the victim receiving a text from a credit union advising that their debit card has been locked and to call a 386 area code phone number to unlock it. Upon calling the 386 number, an automated voice advises the victim to enter his or her 16-digit credit card number.

Another scam involves a phone call in which an automated voice advises the victim that his or her bank card has been locked or suspended and to press 1 to reactivate it. After pressing 1, an automated voice asks for a 16-digit credit card number followed by the card’s expiration date and CVV code on the back of the card. Once this information is provided, an automated voice says the card has been “unlocked.” In reality, the card was never locked and the victim has provided the scammer with information needed to clone their credit/debit card and drain their accounts.

Please do not fall for these scams. Banks and credit unions will never initiate contact with you via text or phone and request that you provide any credit card or personal information.

CCSO urges anyone who has received one of these calls and released their personal information to contact their financial institution immediately.

If you receive a call and you think it’s a scam, contact the Collier County Sheriff’s Office main line at 239.252.9300, or in an emergency, call 911.

For suspected fraud that does not require immediate action, call the CCSO Call Before You Pay fraud hotline at 239.252.CALL (2255).