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Wisconsin Bankers Association Warns of Potential Scam Timed to Coincide with the Holiday Season
Wisconsin consumers should be prepared for the possibility of a phone scam targeting the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, warns the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA). The scam is timed to occur when banks are closed, just before the biggest shopping day of the year.
A similar fraud was perpetrated on Manitowoc County residents over the 2007 Thanksgiving holiday, and recently occurred again in Northeastern Wisconsin. The criminals dialed 40,000 area residents, of which 20,000 answered their phone.
The phone scam, timed to coincide with Thanksgiving Day, informs you that your bank account has been frozen. The scammer then provides a toll-free-number you are supposed to call to reinstate your account after you've verified your personal information.
An educated, cautious consumer is the number one defense against any scam. When consumers receive phone calls or e-mails from agencies claiming to be a financial institution and requesting verification of their personal information, consumers should protect themselves by following these steps:
- Stop. Do not respond immediately.
- Think. Why would my bank need this information?
- Call. The number on your bank statement or in the phone book.
Remember, The Peoples Community Bank will never ask you to very personal information such as PINs, bank account numbers or Social Security numbers over the phone. If you ever receive such a request, please report it to the police immediately.
The Peoples Community Bank
(800) 795-2151 |
