Some financial institutions have received reports of a telephone scam involving fraudsters attempting to obtain personal information from cardholders. To protect yourself from becoming a victim of this scam, familiarize yourself with the characteristics and recommendations that follow. For more information on protecting your identity, click here to visit the Identity Theft Prevention section of our Online Education Center.

Event Characteristics
Cardholders have received computer-generated calls claiming to be from their financial institution. The calls claim their accounts have been frozen and then direct the cardholder to call a toll-free number to leave their debit card information in order to reactivate any cards. The toll-free number includes a recorded message that asks the customer to key their account number, card expiration date, and PIN.

Recommendations
Cardholder awareness is key in combating fraud. Should you receive any questionable calls, do not provide your personal information.

In addition, the following tips and/or characteristics of a fraudulent call can help you protect yourself from identity theft:

• Make sure you initiate the contact, and the institution verifies your identity with questions only you would know.
• To verify whether a call is legitimate, call your bank or visit its website, using phone numbers or internet addresses from your bank statement or account documentation. Do not call back a number provided over the phone or click on a link in an email.
• Most communications will include something that will concern or excite the victim. The caller may indicate that your account will be frozen or closed if you do not follow their instructions. This is intended to frighten you into sharing your personal information.
• If you have been the victim of a scam, file a complaint at local law enforcement.
• Notify your financial institution should you receive a call or have been the victim of a scam.
• Monitor your accounts online and/or by reviewing your statements. Note that an excessive number of attempts at small dollar preauthorizations may be an indication of intent to commit fraud.