Macoupin Residents Warned About a Phishing Scam

According to the news reported by TheTelegraph on December 10, 2008, Don Albrecht, Sheriff of Macoupin County (situated in the southwest part of the US) has issued a warning to local residents about an online scam circulating through people's e-mail.

The report said that the scam e-mail is dispatched to unsuspecting recipients telling them that owing to a fraud on a specific date, authorities have locked their Visa debit card. Also, while the e-mail appears official, it warns the recipient about probable unsecured communication if the e-mail is ignored.

The e-mail then advises the recipient to contact at a given phone number. However, on dialing that number, an automated replying system instantly asks the caller to enter his/her debit card number, which if done turns the person into a victim.

Thus, Albrecht warns to residents that never call or respond to the number, especially never enter their debit card number.

Albrecht further said that the particular scam is a widespread phishing operation and uses a number of different methods and scenarios. Furthermore, any person who is victimized in the scam should contact his/her financial institution right away and asks for the cancellation of the latest debit card and for the issuance of a fresh one.

Security specialists said that the scam is an attempt to trick the e-mail recipient into giving away his/her details of personal identity that could be utilized to withdraw cash from the account of the victim or to start a series of credit purchases in the victim's name.

Here, Albrecht explained that no legitimate person would ever contact or call a person to seek personal information unless a fraudulent scheme is attached.

Moreover, according to the security specialists, no one should respond to such a telephone or e-mail solicitation unless the person is completely sure about its legitimacy. They also said that it is much simpler not to reply at all rather than to repair the payment card after falling victim to scam.

Also, whosoever thinks he/she might have been victimized should report to the Macoupin County Sheriff's office at (217)-854-3135 or the local police for help.

» SPAMfighter News - 12/20/2008