How the scam works:
It has been reported that cell phone owners are receiving text messages from their banks informing them that their cards have been deactivated. They were told to call a number to find out more details.
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In reality, scammers send mass texts, and because they are using the names of the biggest banks in the country, a good chunk of the recipients might consider the warning and call the number.
As expected, the person on the other side of the line will ask for personal information and a card number, “for confirmation”.
There are quite a few “deactivation/activation” variations of the text. The latest ones are now using the names of Google and Gmail, scammers informing you that your account has been hacked and you need to reactivate it.
How to avoid:
However much technology advances, you will not be told that your account was deactivated by a text message. Any bank rep could be impersonated by crooks in this scam, but the latest one comes from Regions Bank. The name of your bank might be next so beware! As you can see in the images, some of the phone numbers used are: (309) 323.6439, (901) 466.4798, and (727) 379.2519.
How to report:
Make your family and friends aware of this scam by sharing it on social media using the buttons provided. You can also officially report the scammers to the Federal Trade Commission using the link below:
How to protect yourself more:
If you want to be the first to find out the most notorious scams every week, feel free to subscribe to the Scam Detector newsletter here. You’ll receive periodical emails and we promise not to spam. Last but not least, use the Comments section below to expose other scammers.
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Beware of the ATT Customer Care Server Request email, got it this morning – see below:
Date: On Monday, April 16, 2018 1:21 PM
From: "<ATT Customer Care>" <[email protected]>
Subject: Your account will be deactivated
Bellsouth account
Unusual sign-in activity
This is to inform you that your request on: 16/04/2018 02:37:40.PM. to remove your account from ATT Customer Care server has been approved and will initiate in one hour from the exact time you open this message.
Regards.
If this deactivation was not requested by you
Please reply us.
Thank you,
Bellsouth account
Ma’am/sir congrat’s your sim#had won (Php550,000)during our grand raffle papromo,lastnight! from KAPUSO MILYONARYO kombo,panalo nati0nwide, to claim ur prize call me now? i m atty, welfredo villaluz:,per -dti ncr permit#2572s’2015
Received: 07:38:27am 22.Sep.2015
Ito yung number ng pangap na att, welfredo villaluz 09159288036
ito naman yung ka syo syo nya na galing daw sa bango 09354563956
25k lahat nakuha sakin. sana po ma track yang mga scammer nayan.. bago lang po yan..
I just received a call on my cell phone from a "Google Rep named Jordan ID #8030 with call back #800/935-0817 informing me that Google had received a lot of complaints regarding emails I was sending and they needed to log on to my computer to see my activity and determine if I have been hacked. He asked if I had given my password to anyone in Texas. Told him I was not giving him access. He got huffy and told me I could check him out on the web. Said he would call me back tonite to discuss it again. Tried to find a number to contact Google but that is a waste…..
Just got one. Called the number and hit bogus numbers all the way through. They wanted card number, exp date, security code, my zip, my street number, last 4 of my social. The number is 814-920-1682. You should have an easier way for us to report scams to you quickly so you can share and shut them down.
I receive a message saying that I was Charged because I am part of the Club Clickn Scores
Do you know something about it ?
Park Bank ALERT: Your VISA CheckCard #431163 has been DE-ACTIVATED. Please call our 24hrs line (608)318-4404
Another one to look for
Watch for this one too! My husband revived this a few weeks ago. Dear client your ATM card has been suspended. To reactivate call our department at 1-386-277-4918 ! ——————————————————–
Watch out for this text message, it’s a scam:
"Alliance Bank Alert, your ATM card has been deactivated, please call (765) 637-2806"