First Judicial District Attorney Scott Storey is warning consumers to be wary of a new approach to an old scam.  Phishers have discovered text messaging.  The District Attorney’s fraud line has recently received numerous calls about scammers taking advantage of this popular new technology.

For years scammers have tried various methods to get your personal and financial information.  Phishing scams were originally perpetrated by phony telemarketers representing themselves as an employee of your financial institution. They would tell unsuspecting consumers that their account had been compromised.  The scammer would then ask for personal financial information saying that they would then close the compromised account and conduct an investigation.  With your personal financial information in hand, scammers can drain a bank account in a very short period of time. 

Once email arrived on the scene it didn’t take long for wily fraudsters to move on to this method of electronic communication.  They could generate mass email broadcasts, often at random, and hit thousands of people at once.  If just one person falls for the scam the scammer has had a good day.

Today we are seeing this scam in a new format, the text message.  The calls we are receiving describe essentially the same scam.  The consumer receives a text message alleged to be from their bank or financial institution.  The fraudulent text message warns the consumer that their account has been restricted or shut down as a result of some sort of fraud.  The consumer who receives the text message is told to call a 1-800 number and provide their account number, routing number, names, address and other personal identifying information. These 1-800 numbers often route the caller to an automated system where their information is keyed in rather than provided to an actual person.

Consumers are sometimes getting repeated text messages, telling them that it is “urgent” or “critical” that they contact the 1-800 number immediately to protect their accounts.  The text message and email format is generally vague, not identifying a specific bank or financial institution. 

The use of an 800 number with voice prompts and an automated system helps hide the scammer’s voice and identity.  The person sending the message can be anyone texting from anywhere.  

“Your bank will not contact you by text or email regarding fraud on your account,” reminds Storey, “Do not respond to the text messaging inquiries or emails.  If you have concerns go to your bank or call their fraud department directly.” 

If you have questions or concerns contact the District Attorney’s Economic Crime Specialist Deb Ohno, 303-271-6931.