Residents concerned about multiple “phishing” phone calls
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Fraud Hotline has received numerous calls within the last twenty four hours regarding residents receiving automated phone calls “phishing” for credit and debit card information. BE WARNED. THIS IS A SCAM.
The recorded call simply states that your debit and/or credit card has been breached or deactivated, and in order for your card to remain active you must press the number one (1). The recording then instructs you to enter your card account number, PIN number, three digit security code and the expiration date of the card. The recording will ask you to confirm all of the information that you gave, then will tell you that your card has been activated.
It is extremely important to know that this recording is being used with one purpose in mind; that is, to steal your money or your identity. Should you receive a call like this, hang up and do NOT respond. Never give any personal or financial information over the phone unless you originated the call to the organization with which you do business by either using the phone number on the back of your credit card or bank statement.
If you have questions about this “phishing” scam or if you received a phone call and would like to report it, please contact the Fraud Hotline at 239-477-1242.
Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Department