If you get a text message or a recorded phone message purporting to be from Wells Fargo Bank and telling you your account is locked and you need to call an 855 number, be sure and ignore it.
It’s assuredly a scam and con artists are hoping you’ll call and share your Social Security number, account number and other information that could compromise your identity. If you call or stop by the bank (always look up the correct phone number and don’t rely on a number included in a text message or an email, as it could be a phishing attempt), you’ll likely learn your account is just fine.
An Arkansas County woman and her daughter encountered this scam via text recently. It’s all detailed here.
As such, the local emergency management team posted a warning on its Facebook page about the scam.
“The targets have received text messages claiming to be from Wells Fargo, requesting they call a phone number regarding a problem with their credit card,” the Facebook site states. “Once the number is called, the target is asked for their credit card information.”
There are also reports out of Georgia of a similar scam being perpetrated via recorded messages.
“Once a person calls this number, they again hear the original message, which then tells them to press ‘1.’ Callers are then asked to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, zip code, card expiration date, a four-digit pin and street number. Police said after the requested information is provided, the line will go dead.”
Police have reportedly been in contact with Wells Fargo who is aware of the scam and warning customers not to provide any information.
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