Fraud alert: Scammers targeting local banks
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BURLINGTON — Banks in Burlington and Mukwonago are among a growing list of financial institutions hit by a multi-state, telephone-based fraud scheme, according to BankInfoSecurity.com.
Citizens Bank of Mukwonago and Burlington's First Banking Center reported receiving automated phone messages that appear to be coming from their institution, telling them their debit card has been compromised. It then prompts the customer to enter their card information.
Customers have reported calls since Oct. 24, according to Debby Bartolerio, security officer for Citizens Bank of Mukwonago.
Hawaii Central Credit Union in Honolulu also reportd that its customers received the automated messages asking for account information last week. Park Bank in Milwaukee, Maritime Savings Bank and Educators Credit Union are among Wisconsin financial institutions that have reported such calls.
If data is given to the scammers, they use it to tap bank accounts or make online purchases. The technology-savvy thieves mask their identities and are very difficult for authorities to catch, Bartolerio says.
The fraudulent calls can sound convincing and prey on people's tendency to act quickly to help resolve the issue.
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