Attorney General Bruning details aggressive phishing scam
LINCOLN -- Attorney General Jon Bruning today shared the details of an aggressive phone scam targeting Nebraskans. He was joined by State Sen. Deb Fischer and John Munn, director of the state Department of Banking and Finance.
On Monday, March 15, residents of Broken Bow began to receive automated telephone calls claiming to represent their bank. The caller claimed the victim's debit card had been restricted for shopping and ATM usage. The caller then routed victims to a fraudulent security department which requested their account number, PIN, 3-digit security code and Social Security Number. Once the personal information is given, the scammers can use it to drain the victim's bank accounts.
The calls were first targeted to cell phones followed by home phones or landlines, eventually affecting an estimated 5,000 people.
"This scam is sophisticated, well-planned and targeted to provoke action from trusting Nebraskans," Bruning said. "People need to know these calls are fraudulent and should be reported."
In addition, Director Munn warned that personal information should never be given to unsolicited businesses via telephone or e-mail. He urged victims to hang up on the callers and to call their banks using a number they trust.
"The bottom line is banks do not call their depositors asking for this information," said Director Munn.
As a victim of this or any debit card scam, time is of the essence. If the theft is reported within two days, victims may only be responsible for a small portion of stolen money up to $50. After two business days, depositors may be liable for up to $500. Debit card thefts reported after 60 days leave the victim liable for the entire amount lost.
The Attorney General urged victims to contact their bank and debit card providers immediately. Also, the three major credit bureaus should be alerted that the information may have been stolen.
"People in rural Nebraska are very trusting," said State Senator Fischer. "Unfortunately, their trust has been taken advantage of this time."
If you or someone you know has been a victim of this debit card phishing scam, file a complaint at the Attorney General's Web site at ago.ne.gov or contact the Consumer Protection Division at 800-727-6432.