7:52 pm | August 29, 2011
'Wells Fargo Bank' Phishing Calls Hit Area
POSTED: 4:24 pm PDT August 29, 2011
SALEM, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Hotline has received a surge of complaints about telephone calls claiming to be from Wells Fargo Bank. The caller is telling consumers that their debit cards are locked and that they should provide their debit card number to bank security. This is a phishing scam -- and it hit the High Desert Monday.
Oregon Attorney General John Kroger reminded Oregonians that legitimate financial institutions will never ask you for debit card, bank account or social security numbers, or for sensitive information, like your username or password, over the phone or by email.
• Never respond to phone calls or emails soliciting personal information. If you suspect it might be legitimate, pick-up the phone and call the company to confirm.
• Do not click on any links embedded in phishing emails. They may contain viruses or malware designed to steal your personal information.
• Make sure your computer has up to date anti-virus software.
The Attorney General's Consumer Hotline received nine complaints since late last week from the Portland area and the Willamette Valley about this scam, a significant number of calls for such a short period of time -- and many Central Oregonians reported getting similar calls Monday. Bank officials said they had been getting numerous calls about the scammers.
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