Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge joined First Community Bank and banks around the nation warning Arkansans about the latest scam sweeping the state.
The newest scam involves con artists spoofing a phone number to cause the bank’s fraud department name and number to display on the phone’s caller I.D.
According to a release from the AG’s office, the scammer will use official-sounding conversation to gain the trust and then ask for the consumer to provide a verification code via text message. The code will give the scammer access to the consumer’s account, and even change the online banking password. The scammer will then transfer the funds in the account via a third-party app, such as Zelle.
“Con artists will use any means necessary to trick hardworking individuals out of their money,” said Rutledge. “It is vital that consumers are aware of these types of scams and are cautious before giving out personal or financial information. I will continue to sound the alarm to prevent consumers from losing their life savings and to hold these crooks accountable.”
“This type of fraud is a growing problem in our state and we want everyone to know that First Community Bank or any bank in Arkansas will never call a customer asking for their account number or a password,” said First Community Bank Chairman and CEO Dale Cole. “The criminals are calling, sending texts, emails, and sometimes mailing letters. Please be careful and never give any personal information to the criminals when they contact you.”
Rutledge’s office says consumers should follow these steps to ensure that personal information and banking information remains secure:
- Never provide information such as date of birth, social security number, or account information over the phone to an unknown caller
- When in doubt, hang up the phone and call the number on the back of your debit card or visit your local bank branch for assistance
- Don’t click on suspicious links sent via text message asking for verification
- Always shred important documents that may contain personal or account information
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather every weekday morning and afternoon from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5.
