Wisconsin Bankers Association: New vishing scam targets southeastern Wisconsin

For more information, contact Kurt Bauer

608/441-1203 or bauer@wisbank.com

Bogus voice mail messages used to scare consumers into providing account information

MADISON – Several Wisconsin banks and credit unions report a new vishing scam in south eastern Wisconsin, including but not necessarily limited to Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine and Kenosha Counties.

Automated messages are being left on peoples’ voice mail system, including cell phones. The message claims to be from a financial institution’s security department and warns that the customer’s debit card has been compromised. The message then prompts consumers to reveal their account information.

Vishing scams can be extremely convincing, but no bank, credit union or other legitimate business will request a customer to verify personal information such as PINs, bank account numbers or Social Security numbers over the phone.

The Wisconsin Bankers Association urges consumers to protect themselves by following three steps:

* Stop. Do not respond immediately.

* Think. Why would my bank need this information?

* Call. The number on your bank statement or in the phone book.

Personal information that you should never release in a conversation not initiated by you includes:

* Bank Account Numbers

* Bank Card Numbers – Credit or Debit

* Personal Identification Numbers (PINs)

* Social Security Numbers

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The Wisconsin Bankers Association is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing 300 commercial banks and savings institutions, their nearly 2,300 branch offices and 28,000 employees.