March 26, 2010
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News: Verizon Warns Users Of Credit Card Scam
Improved online security measures have begun to pay off and criminals are finding it more difficult to scam credit card customers. However, as always, identity thieves and credit card thieves have sought out new ways to accomplish their goals. Growing in popularity, consumers are finding themselves the target of cell phone scams. The Bucyrus, Ohio Police Department were kept busy over the weekend answering phone calls from local Verizon Wireless customers complaining about a debit and credit card scam that is being conducted over their cell phone.
According to the Bucyrus Police Department, residents have been receiving cell phone calls from individuals failing to identify themselves and asking them for their debit or credit card information because their cards were deactivated because of suspicious activity. The residents were asked to provide the information so that their cards could be reactivated. The police also received calls from the United Bank, Firelands, Farmer Citizens, and People's Savings and Loan saying they had received numerous complaints from customers telling them of the debit and credit card scammers. At this time, it appears that the thieves have honed in on Verizon Wireless customers.
Bucyrus Police Department dispatcher, Denise Young says they provided the residents with the same advice that they always give and that is to never give out personal information or credit card data to anyone who contacts them. Individuals should always contact their financial institution directly to tell them of any suspicious calls and to assure they are talking to the correct individuals. The banks say that if anyone did give out their card or personal information, the bank immediately closes the account and reissues new cards. Although this is not the first time the authorities and banks have heard of this type of scam; however, it is one of the most active that they have seen. The investigation has been turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) who continues to investigate all leads.