Scammers using fake text messages to get information
Jul 23, 2013, 5:00 AM | Updated: 5:00 am
PHOENIX — Crooks are sending text messages to Valley residents in hopes of luring them to divulge personal information.
The messages read, “(ALERT) Call 5126875961 or 3054559475 FCU ARIZONA” and “(NOTICE) Call 3054559475 Arizona FCU.”
While most people have disregarded the messages, there have been unsuspecting victims who’ve called the number and provided their debit card information.
“We’ve heard from our members and non-members who have received these messages both containing some form of our name, as well, as the names of other financial institutions,” said Senior Director of Marketing for Arizona Federal Credit Union Steve Kelley.
Kelly said they have discovered that the people sending these messages are using text capabilities available over the Internet through wireless carriers.
“It is our understanding that law enforcement has taken steps to shut down some of these numbers,” he said. “We know that wireless carriers are working to shut them down as well.”
In the meantime, consumers are urged to notify their financial institutions if they receive a similar text.
