FBI Warns of New Vishing Attack Targeting Debit Card Customers

The Marion Office of the FBI has received numerous reports of a new vishing scheme targeting debit card customers located in Southern Illinois. Multiple victims from several banks located in the Southern Illinois area have been identified. Vishing scams are designed to entice or persuade financial institution customers into divulging personally identifiable information (PII), i.e., account numbers, Social Security account numbers, etc. by falsely claiming the customer’s account has been suspended, deactivated, terminated, or changed in some way. Victims are then asked to enter PII via an automated response using their telephone keypad. In this particular scam, customers are being told the call is in reference to a recent increase in their debit card limit.

If you believe you have been a victim of this scheme by providing your PII, you should immediately notify your bank or credit union. Additionally, you may file a complaint at the Internet Crimes Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

Consumers always need to be alert when responding to requests for PII. Personal information should be carefully guarded and never provided to anyone making an unsolicited request. Financial institutions will not request that PII be provided in an unsolicited telephone or e-mail request. Providing your PII will compromise your identity.