PLEASE REC UP
New bank scams.
Update: Thanks to a suggestion below I have changed the title. I just want to get this information out so folks are diligent about protecting their identity and bank accounts.
BEWARE!!! I just received a text less than five minutes ago, telling me my "Fed Choice FCU" account was locked and to call 614-219-3085. There is no return number for the text either.
I don't have an account with Fed Choice, but I called to see what it was about.
An automated system asked for my card number, expiration date, and pin. I knew with that requested information this was a scam. Gratefully I did not input any of the requested information.
Please note that no bank will ever ask for your expiration date and pin.
Moreover, FedChoice Credit Union is an actual bank, and they put have an alert on their website regarding this matter.
Security Alerts
"Smishing" Attempt
"Smishing" Alert - Updated November 10, 2009
Please note: FedChoice will never contact you by phone or email to request personal or account information, such as credit card number(s), social security number(s), account number(s), etc.
We have heard reports of people receiving text messages on their cell phones which claim to be from FedChoice and other credit unions but are actually an attempt to collect sensitive information. The National Association of Federal Credit Unions has issued a nationwide warning about this scam, and the National Credit Union Administration has issued an alert to credit unions. The fraudulent text messages contain an “alert” that an ATM card or some other service has been suspended, or that "unusual activity" has occurred, and urge the recipient to call the message sender. This use of text messaging to illegally collect sensitive information is called “smishing”.
A key indicator that a message is fraudulent is if you receive a message from a bank or credit union where you do not have an account. Please delete these messages. If you are unsure if a message is fraudulent, please contact FedChoice and we will be glad to advise you accordingly. Here are some of the common threads we've seen in the "smishing" texts that have been shared with us by non-members:
Recipients are asked to call 201-620-6323. This is not a FedChoice phone number. This number has been deactivated.
Recipients are asked to call 202-730-8024. This is not a FedChoice phone number. This number has been deactivated.
Recipients are asked to call 815-977-9204. This is not a FedChoice phone number. This number has been deactivated.
Recipients are asked to call 281-504-0037. This is not a FedChoice phone number. This number has been deactivated.
Recipients are asked to call 866-218-2730. This is not a FedChoice phone number. This number has been deactivated.
Recipients are asked to call 877-516-3527. This is not a FedChoice phone number. This is being sent from a number ending in 1243.
Recipients are asked to call 877-280-6075. This is not a FedChoice phone number.
Please be aware that if you provide your FedChoice account #, ATM card, debit card, or online banking PINs, or any other sensitive information, to these fraudulent organizations, this information could be used to compromise your accounts.
Please note: FedChoice will never contact you by phone or email to request personal or account information, such as credit card number(s), social security number(s), account number(s), etc.
If you would like to learn more about “smishing”, please take a look at these articles:
National Association of Federal Credit Unions Alert
Mobiledia
PC World
I cannot repeat enough, even if its a bank you do business with or are familiar with, no bank will ever ask for your pin or expiration date.
If you have experienced any scams like this, please add that information in your comment. We have to protect each other. With a downturn in the economy, scams like this are rampant.
I'm glad I knew better, but some may not realize this is a scam and put in their information into the automated system. In these tight times, no one can afford to lose money or have their identity stolen.