In today’s digital age, scammers are always finding new methods to gain your personal information. We have recently seen an increase in a particularly concerning phone scam attempting to obtain debit card information.
How The Scam Works
- Individuals receive a fraudulent phone call claiming their debit card has been compromised.
- The caller poses as a representative from the Horicon Bank Fraud Department - providing the cardholders' date of birth and the last four digits of their card number.
- The caller then requests the CVC code from the card.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify Caller Identity: If you receive an unsolicited call claiming to be from your bank or any financial institution, hang up and call the official customer service number of your bank. Do not use any contact information provided by the caller.
- Never Share Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as your debit card number, PIN, or social security number, over the phone unless you are certain of the caller’s identity.
- Be Skeptical of Urgent Requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prompt hasty decisions. Be cautious if a caller insists that you need to act quickly or provides alarming information to scare you into compliance.
- Check for Red Flags: Look out for poor grammar or spelling, unfamiliar phone numbers, or strange caller ID information. These can be signs that the call is not legitimate.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication: Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication for your financial accounts. This adds an extra layer of security beyond just your password or PIN.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.
- Report Scams: If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam or have provided your debit card information to a scammer, report it to your bank right away. You should also report the incident to relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
- Contact Your Bank Immediately: Horicon Bank customers should call 888.343.3040. Inform our team about the scam and any suspicious transactions.
- Cancel Your Debit Card: Request a new debit card number and account details to prevent further unauthorized access.
- Monitor Your Credit Reports: Check your credit reports for any signs of identity theft or fraudulent activity. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze if necessary.
- Stay Vigilant: Continue to monitor your financial accounts and be cautious of any future scams. Educate yourself about common scams and warning signs.
Staying informed and cautious is your best defense against phone scams targeting your debit card information. By taking proactive steps to protect your personal and financial information, you can safeguard yourself. Remember, if something seems suspicious or too good to be true, it’s always better to verify and err on the side of caution.