By now, most of us have become programmed to ignore the e-mail messages we receive from foreign princes promising to send us thousands of dollars in return for a favor. These types of "phishing" scams have been around for years. Criminals have been using them to trick people into handing over bank account numbers, credit card information, Social Security numbers and other information by using malicious e-mails and websites that resemble actual bank and online auction sites.
A similar, less well-known type of scam - called "vishing" - is becoming prevalent.
Voice phISHING, also called "VoIP phishing," is the telephone equivalent to phishing. Vishing is a scam using voice-over IP to gain access to a victim's personal information.
This is how the scam works. Typically, a victim receives a call from a recorded voice that informs the victim that their bank account has been frozen. The victim is asked to call a toll-free number immediately to reinstate the account. When the number is called, the victim will be asked to verify personal information. Responses, should they contain personal information, can be accessed by the criminals for attempts to steal your identity.
In recent years, vishing attacks commonly occur over holiday weekends, when banks are closed and there are fewer ways to confirm validity of the calls.
If you receive such a call, please remember to:
- Stop. Do not respond immediately. Be cautious and slow to respond.
- Think. Why would your bank be asking for this information? Remember, legitimate businesses do not request a customer's personal information to be verified over the phone unless you initiate the communication.
- Call. Contact the bankand local law enforcement to report the scam.
If you have any question regarding the validity of a phone call, please contact us immediately to discuss the situation. We will be happy to offer assistance.
Thank you for your continued business.
Should you have questions or concerns, please call us at 1-800-795-2151.
Sincerely,
The Peoples Community Bank |
