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Account Suspended: Phishing Scam

I got a text from a credit union that my account will be suspended. I don't even have an account with them now. What is going on?


This is a phishing expedition where a scammer hopes to send a message to an account holder. You don't have an account, so ignore it. You can report it to the institution if you want. Some who receive the message will be account holders. Unless you have signed up for such a service, this is a scam. Most financial institutions do not contact customers this way and they do not request confidential information from you.

When you receive such a text message, email and even telephone calls, ask with whom you are speaking and tell them you'll call them back. You can ask for a number. Next, you call your financial institution using a published number for them. Ask if they have contacted you, and when they say no, pass along the information you do have. Scammers routinely give out bad telephone numbers and website addresses. These go to them, so they can request your private information and them attempt to steal your identity and money.

Another place to check is the website you know belongs to your institution. It may be posted there that scammers are on the lose and what they're doing. If you have given some information to a scammer, call your institution immediately and report it.

Published on BankingQuestions.com 2/19/09