New Security Alerts
Please check SECURITY ALERTS often
This fraudulent message claims to be from the FBI
August 9, 2012 - There is a new "drive-by" virus on the Internet, and it
often carries a fake message-and fine-purportedly from the FBI.
"We're getting inundated with complaints," said Donna Gregory of the
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), referring to the virus known as
Reveton ransomware, which is designed to extort money from its victims.
Reveton is described as drive-by malware because unlike many
viruses-which activate when users open a file or attachment-this one can
install itself when users simply click on a compromised website. Once
infected, the victim's computer immediately locks, and the monitor
displays a screen stating there has been a violation of federal law.
The bogus message goes on to say that the user's Internet address was
identified by the FBI or the Department of Justice's Computer Crime and
Intellectual Property Section as having been associated with child
pornography sites or other illegal online activity. To unlock their
machines, users are required to pay a fine using a prepaid money card
service.
The IC3 suggests the following if you become a victim of the Reveton
virus:
* Do not pay any money or provide any personal information.
* Contact a computer professional to remove Reveton and Citadel
from your computer.
* Be aware that even if you are able to unfreeze your computer on
your own, the malware may still operate in the background. Certain types
of malware have been known to capture personal information such as user
names, passwords, and credit card numbers through embedded keystroke
logging programs.
* File a complaint and look for updates about the Reveton virus on
the IC3 website.
This new utility bill scam leads to Identity Theft
July 11, 2012 -Beware of a new scam claiming that President Obama will
pay your utility bills through a new federal program. Consumers have
been contacted through telephone calls, fliers, social media and text
messages with claims that President Obama is providing credits or
applying payments to utility bills.
To receive the money, scammers claim they need the consumer's social
security and bank routing numbers. In return, customers are given a
fraudulent bank routing number to pay their utility bills through the
automated telephone payment service. The payment service initially
'accepts' the payment but then declines it within a few days when the
bank account number is discovered to be fake.
Remember these tips to avoid becoming a victim of this scam:
* Never provide your social security number, credit card number or
banking information to anyone who contacts you, regardless of whom they
claim to be representing.
* If you receive a call claiming to be your utility company and
feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up
the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill.
* Never allow anyone into your home to check electrical wiring,
natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment
or have reported a utility problem. Also, ask utility employees for
proper identification.
* Always think safety first. Do not give in to high pressure
tactics over the phone for information or in person to get into your
home.
Suspicious Telephone Calls Requesting Information
June 22, 2012 - Recently calls have been made by someone impersonating
Community South Bank and other banks in the West Tennessee area. A
recorded message tells the customer that fraudulent transactions were
identified on the customer's debit card account. These calls are an
effort to create panic so that the customer will reveal sensitive
information such as their debit card account number and PIN to a "live
operator."
Community South Bank will never contact you asking you to verify
information. Whether you are contacted by telephone call, letter,
email, text or instant message, never give or send your personal or
financial information to anyone that contacts you claiming to be your
bank. Always report any suspicious requests for information such as
these to a telephone number that you know belongs to your local branch.
New FDIC Phishing Attack
November 30, 2011 - Customers of Community South have reported that they have received the email below
that appears to be from the FDIC. Recipients should consider the email an attempt to collect personal or
confidential information, or to load malicious software onto a user's computer. Therefore, recipients are
advised NOT to click on the link. Instead, recipients should delete the email from their computer.
From: subscriptions@fdic.gov [mailto:subscriptions@fdic.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 4:50 AM
To:
Subject: FDIC: About your business account
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Logo
Dear Business Owner,
We have important information about your bank.
Please click here to see further details.
This includes information on the acquiring bank (if applicable), how your accounts and loans are affected,
and how vendors can file claims against the receivership
_____
FDIC USA
Questions for FDIC?
Contact Us
Federal Insurance Company 3501 Fairfax Drive Arlington VA 22226 877-275-3342
E-mail received with no Attachments
Fraudulent E-mails Regarding Wire Transfers
November 16, 2011 - Customers of Community South have reported that they have received the email
below that appears to be from Community South. Recipients should consider the email an attempt to
collect personal or confidential information, or to load malicious software onto a user's computer.
Therefore, recipients are advised NOT to click on the link. Instead, recipients should forward the
email to support@communitysouth.com and then delete the email
from their computer.
From: accounting@communitysouth.com [mailto:accounting@communitysouth.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 1:29 PM
To:
Subject: Wire Transfer Confirmation
Dear Bank Account Operator,
I regret to inform you that Wire transfer initiated by you or on your behalf was hold by us.
Transaction: 1345506841934110
Current transaction status: Pending
Please review transaction details as soon as possible.
E-mails with malware attachments that claim to be from the FDIC
September 1, 2011 - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of
fraudulent e-mails that appear to be from the FDIC and contain an infected attachment.
The fraudulent e-mails have addresses such as "no.reply@fdic.gov " or
"notify84zma@fdic.gov " on the "From" line. The message appears, with
spelling and grammatical errors, as follows:
Subject line: "FDIC notification"
Message body:
"Dear customer,
Your account ACH and WIRE transaction have been temporarily suspended for security reasons due to
the expiration of your security version. To download and install the newest installations read the
document(pdf) attached below.
As soon as it is setup, you transaction abilities will be fully restored.
Best Regards, Online Security departament, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation."
The e-mails contain an attachment "FDIC_document.zip" that will likely release malicious
software if opened. These e-mails and attachments are fraudulent and were not sent by the FDIC.
Recipients should consider these e-mails an attempt to collect personal or confidential information,
or to load malicious software onto end users' computers. Recipients should NOT open the attachment.
Financial institutions and consumers should be aware that these fraudulent e-mails may be modified
over time with other subject lines, sender names, and narratives. The FDIC does not directly contact
consumers, nor does the FDIC request bank customers to install software upgrades.
Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents, and other fraudulent activity may be
forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 3501 North Fairfax Drive, CH-11034,
Arlington, Virginia 22226, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov .
Questions related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC
using an online form that can be accessed at .
For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's website at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2011/index.html.
New FDIC Phishing Attack
August 23, 2011 - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
(FDIC) has fallen victim to yet another phishing attack, this time through fake e-mails that urge business
owners to click links purporting to provide FDIC information about their financial institutions.
Fraudulent e-mails are being sent from alert@fdic.gov with the subject line: "FDIC: Your business account."
In a consumer alert e-mail, the FDIC says the recent scheme's wording varies slightly from other
FDIC-targeted scams. Some e-mails begin with "Dear Business Owner," instead of "Dear Business Customer."
The e-mails also say, "We have important news regarding your bank," instead of, "We have important news
regarding your financial institution." Fake e-mails are also coming from subscriptions@fdic.gov.
The fraudulent e-mails go on to say that business accounts and loans might be affected by acquiring-bank
relationships, offering vendors information about how they can file claims against the receivership.
The FDIC does not issue unsolicited e-mails to consumers or business account holders.
Phishing Scam Targets IRS
August 23, 2011 - Phishing e-mails, feigning to be from the Internal Revenue Service, are reportedly
targeting consumers with claims that tax accounts have been locked and require immediate action to reopen.
The e-mails, which appear to come from info manager@irs.gov and support manager@irs.gov, according to other
news accounts
http://www.bankinfosecurity.comare the latest in a round of phishing attacks aimed at the IRS.
The e-mails reportedly are not so sophisticated, often containing numerous typos.
When reached for comment, the IRS would not discuss this specific attack, but did provide a link to a list
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom of known e-mail scams targeting consumers under
the guise of the IRS.
"The IRS does not send unsolicited e-mail to taxpayers either about their tax accounts or requesting
sensitive personal and financial information," the IRS states.
In this most recent case, the phishy e-mails ask recipients to fill out and mail an attached notification
back to the IRS, along with accompanying documents, such as copies of U.S.- or state-issued photo I.D.s.
Similar phishing attacks reported to the IRS have been more traditional, including malicious links and/or
attachments rather than also asking consumers to mail personally identifiable information to a physical
address.
Fraudulent Emails Claiming to be from the FDIC
July 19, 2011 - Recently the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports
of fraudulent e-mails that have the appearance of being from the FDIC.
The e-mails appear to be sent from various "@fdic.gov" e-mail addresses, such as "protection@fdic.gov,
" "admin@administration.fdic.gov," or "service@admin.fdic.gov."
They have various subject lines such as "Update for your banking account," "ACH and Wire transfers
disabled," and "Banking security update."
The fraudulent messages state:
"Dear clients,
Your account ACH and Wire transactions have been temporarily suspended for your Security, due to
the expiration of your security version. To download and install the newest Updates, follow this link.
As soon as it is set up, your transaction abilities will be fully restored. Best regards, Online
security department, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation."
These e-mails and links are fraudulent and were not sent by the FDIC. Recipients should consider
these e-mails an attempt to collect personal or confidential information, or to load malicious
software onto end users' computers. Recipients should NOT access the link provided within the body
of the e-mails and should NOT install any related files or software updates.
Be aware that these fraudulent e-mails may be modified over time with other subject lines, sender
names, and narratives. The FDIC does not directly contact bank customers, nor does the FDIC request
bank customers to install software upgrades.
Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents, and other fraudulent activity may
be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 3501 North Fairfax Drive, CH-11034,
Arlington, Virginia 22226, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov. Questions related to federal
deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be
accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp
Fraudulent Emails Claiming to be from NACHA
March 30, 2011 - The Electronic Payments Association has received reports that individuals and/or
companies continue to receive fraudulent emails that have the appearance of having been sent from NACHA.
These emails vary in content and appear to be transmitted from email addresses associated the NACHA
domain (@nacha.org). Some bear the name of fictitious NACHA employees and/or departments.
NACHA itself does not process nor touch the ACH transactions that flow to and from organizations
and financial institutions. NACHA does not send communications to persons or organizations about
individual ACH transactions that they originate or receive.
Be aware that phishing emails frequently have attachments and/or links to Web pages that host malicious
code and software. Do not open attachments or follow Web links in unsolicited emails from unknown parties
or from parties with whom you do not normally communicate, or that appear to be known but are suspicious
or otherwise unusual.
If malicious code is detected or suspected on a computer, consult with a computer security or anti-virus
specialist to remove malicious code or re-install a clean image of the computer system.
Always use anti-virus software and ensure that the virus signatures are automatically updated.
Ensure that the computer operating systems and common software application security patches are
installed and current.
Additional information and guidance on phishing is available from the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation (FDIC) at http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/alerts/phishing.html
E-mails fraudulently claiming to be from the FDIC
January 12, 2011 -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports
from consumers who received an e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC. The e-mail
informs the recipient that "in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, federal, state
and local governments..." the FDIC has withdrawn deposit insurance from the recipient's account "due to
account activity that violates the Patriot Act." It further states deposit insurance will remain
suspended until identity and account information can be verified using a system called "IDVerify."
If consumers go to the link provided in the e-mail, it is suspected they will be asked for personal
or confidential information, or malicious software may be loaded onto the recipient's computer.
This e-mail is fraudulent. It was not sent by the FDIC. It is an attempt to obtain personal information
from consumers. Financial institutions and consumers should NOT access the link provided within the body
of the e-mail and should NOT under any circumstances provide any personal information through this media.
The FDIC is attempting to identify the source of the e-mails and disrupt the transmission. Until this
is achieved, consumers are asked to report any similar attempts to obtain this information to the FDIC
by sending information to alert@fdic.gov .
Suspicious telephone calls claiming to be from FDIC employees are being reported.
September 8, 2010 -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of suspicious telephone calls where the caller claims to represent the FDIC and is calling regarding the collection of an outstanding debt. These calls appear to be illegal schemes to steal money or collect sensitive personal information, such as bank account numbers.
To date, the callers have alleged that the call recipient is delinquent in payment of a loan that was applied for over the Internet or made through a payday lender. The loan may or may not actually exist. The caller attempts to authenticate the claim by providing sensitive personal information, such as name, Social Security number, and date of birth, supposedly taken from the loan application. The recipient is then strongly urged to make a payment over the phone to "avoid a lawsuit and possible arrest." In some instances, the caller is said to sound aggressive and threatening.
These suspicious telephone calls are fraudulent. Recipients should consider them as an attempt to steal money or collect personal identifying information. The FDIC generally does not initiate unsolicited telephone calls to consumers and is not involved with the collection of debts on behalf of operating lenders and financial institutions.
If a caller demonstrates that he or she has the recipient's sensitive personal information, such as Social Security number, date of birth, and bank account numbers, the recipient may be the victim of identity theft and should review his or her credit reports for signs of possible fraud. The individual should also consider placing a "fraud alert" on his or her credit reports. This can be done by contacting one of the three consumer reporting companies listed below. Only one of the three companies needs to be contacted. That company is required to contact the other two, which will place an alert on their versions of the report.
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com;
Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, California 92834-6790
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com;
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, Georgia 30374-0241
Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com;
P.O. Box 9554, Allen, Texas 75013
ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS TIMELESS ADVICE: IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS.
Recently on social networking Web sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, etc., online merchants have been targeting consumers with e-mails, pop-ups, and advertisements for free trial offers of products like diet pills, teeth whiteners, vitamins, credit monitoring, etc. When consumers enroll for these offers, they are required to give a debit or credit card number agreeing to be billed and receive similar products and services. Many times, the unaware consumer has agreed to be charged for those other products and services.
Put a stop to needless charges to your debit or credit card. Approach each of these offers with caution. If the free-trial you are interested in requires a debit or credit card number, the first thing you should do is thoroughly read the fine print and carefully consider the offer.
Fraudulent Correspondence Claiming to Be From the FDIC
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is reminding financial institutions, businesses and consumers that fraudulent correspondence claiming to be from the FDIC continues to be mailed, faxed and e-mailed in the United States and other countries. The correspondence uses various techniques to gain the trust of recipients in hopes they will provide sensitive personal information, including bank account numbers, that can be used to steal money and other assets. Recipients should NOT, under any circumstances, respond to the fraudulent requests. Institutions also are encouraged to inform customers that fraud artists may use the names of the FDIC and other government agencies and to take appropriate precautions.
The criminals, knowing that people trust the FDIC name, have duplicated the official logo and seal in fraudulent letters, forms, certificates and other correspondence. Recent examples have included invoices, bills, transfer forms, guarantees, endorsements, and confirmations of stock and investment purchases. In some cases, recipients were asked to complete fraudulent forms and return them by fax or e-mail. In other cases, recipients were asked to remit funds via check or wire transfer service.
The FDIC rarely sends unsolicited bills or other similar documents to financial institutions, businesses and consumers. In particular, the FDIC does not send unsolicited correspondence asking for sensitive personal information, including bank account information. Anyone receiving such correspondence should contact the FDIC immediately by calling toll-free at 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342) or by e-mailing to alert@fdic.gov. Do not use contact information listed for the FDIC in the correspondence because it is likely to be falsified.
Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-3054, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov. Questions related to fraudulent correspondence, deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp.
ALERT: Scam email
The following email is being circulated. It is a scam and does NOT come from NACHA. If you receive this email, please just delete. Never click on the link.
________________________________________
From: nacha.org [mailto:reports@nacha.org]
Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 8:32 AM
To:
Subject: Rejected ACH transaction, please review the transaction report
Dear bank account holder,
The ACH transaction, recently initiated from your bank account (by you or any third party), was rejected by the Electronic Payments Association. Please review the transaction report by clicking the link below:
Unauthorized ACH Transaction Report
------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright ©2009 by NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association
Fraudulent E-Mails Claiming to Be From the FDIC
October 20, 2009—“The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has become aware of e-mails appearing to be sent from the FDIC that are asking recipients to download and open a "personal FDIC insurance file" to check their deposit insurance coverage. These e-mails are fraudulent and were not sent by the FDIC. The FDIC is attempting to identify the source of the e-mails and disrupt the transmission.
Currently, the subject line of the fraudulent e-mails includes the wording "check your Bank Deposit Insurance Coverage." The e-mails state: "You have received this message because you are a holder of a FDIC-insured bank account. Recently FDIC has officially named the bank you have opened your account with as a failed bank, thus, taking control of its assets."
The e-mails ask recipients to "visit the official FDIC website" by clicking on a hyperlink provided, which appears to be related to the FDIC and directs recipients to a fraudulent Web site. The Web site includes hyperlinks that appear to open forms. However, it is believed that clicking on the hyperlinks will cause an unknown executable file to be downloaded. While the FDIC is working with the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) to determine the exact effects of the executable file, recipients should consider the intent of the software as a malicious attempt to collect personal or confidential information, some of which may be used to gain unauthorized access to online banking services or to conduct identity theft. Financial institutions and consumers should NOT access the Web site or download the executable files provided on the Web site.
Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-3054, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov . Information related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at
SBA Warns of Fraudulent Attempts to Obtain Bank Account Information from Small Businesses
February 18, 2009 -- The U.S. Small Business Administration issued a scam alert today to small businesses, warning them not to respond to letters falsely claiming to have been sent by the SBA asking for bank account information in order to qualify them for federal tax rebates.
The fraudulent letters were sent out with what appears to be an SBA letterhead to small businesses across the country, advising recipients that they may be eligible for a tax rebate under the Economic Stimulus Act, and that SBA is assessing their eligibility for such a rebate. The letter asks the small business to provide the name of its bank and account number.
These letters have not been sent by or authorized by the SBA, and all small businesses are strongly advised not to respond to them.
The scheme is similar in many ways to e-mail scams often referred to as “phishing” that seek personal data and financial account information that enables another party to access and individual’s bank accounts or to engage in identity theft.
The SBA is working with the SBA Office of Inspector General to investigate this matter. The Office of Inspector General asks that anyone who receives such a letter report it to the OIG Fraud Line at 1 (800) 767-0385, or e-mail at OIGHotline@sba.gov .
Fedwire Phishing Scheme
January 16, 2009 -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is warning consumers, businesses and financial institutions to be aware of fraudulent e-mails allegedly from the Federal Reserve Bank. The fraudulent e-mails claim that a phishing attack has affected the Fedwire system and that restrictions are in place. The e-mails further instruct recipients to click on links within the e-mail for additional information.
The fraudulent e-mails have included various spoofed names and addresses in the "From:" line of the messages, including "Bank System Administration," "System Administration" and "Federal Reserve Bank." The e-mails contain the following message verbatim:
You're getting this letter in connection with new directives issued by U.S. Treasury Department. The directives concern U.S. Federal Wire online payments.
On January 1, 2009 a large-scaled phishing attack started and has been still lasting. A great number of banks and credit unions are affected by this attack and quantity of illegal wire transfers has reached an extremely high level.
U.S. Treasury Department, Federal Reserve and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in common worked out a complex of immediate actions for the highest possible reduction of fraudulent operations. We regret to inform you that definite restrictions will be applied to all Federal Wire transfers from January 6 till January 16.
Here you can get more detailed information regarding the affected banks and U.S. Treasury Department restrictions:
The message contains links to two Web pages that attempt to load malicious Trojan horse programs onto end users' computers.
Consumers, businesses and financial institutions should be aware that Fedwire operations are not restricted and are operating as normal, and should take the following precautions:
If an end user received the e-mail and clicked on any of the links, fully scan the computer using updated anti-virus software. If malicious code is detected on the computer, consult with a computer security or anti-virus specialist to remove the malicious code or re-install a clean image of the computer system.
Be aware that phishing e-mails frequently have links to Web pages that host malicious code and software. Do not follow Web links in unsolicited e-mails from apparent federal banking agencies. Instead, bookmark or type the agency's Web address.
Always use anti-virus software and ensure that the virus signatures are automatically updated. Ensure that the computer operating systems and common software applications security patches are installed.
Do not open unsolicited or unexpected e-mail attachments because of the risk of malicious code or software in the attachments. Instead, call the agency using a known and appropriate telephone number to verify the legitimacy of the message and attached file.
Be alert to different variations of the fraudulent e-mails.
Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-4004, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov . Questions related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp>.
Text Messaging Scam Re-Surfaces
December 30, 2008 -- Banks across the nation have reported an increase in a cell phone text-messaging scam. Consumers have reported receiving a text message on their cell phone that their credit card/debit card/cell phone service has or will be deactivated and they need to text back (or call a number and verify) account and PIN information. Of course if they do, they soon find their account has been hit by criminals.
Community South will never ask for personal information in a text message or an email.
Victims of this scam should file a police report and contact their cell phone provider. They may also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.FTC.gov http://www.FTC.gov
Federal Reserve Board Alert
December 5, 2008—The Federal Reserve Board is alerting the public to instances of questionable solicitations directed at consumers. These solicitations promise consumers access to personal loans through a nonexistent Federal Reserve lending program.
Under this fraudulent scheme, targeted individuals are told that that they can work through a broker to access a Federal Reserve program that extends sizable secured loans to consumers. Consumers are encouraged to deposit large sums of money into a bank account, under the guise of a security deposit, in order to receive the purported loan.
The Federal Reserve is advising consumers that it has no involvement in these solicitations and does not directly sponsor consumer lending programs. The matter has been referred to the appropriate authorities for action.
Consumers are strongly urged to verify the legitimacy of potential service providers before entering into a business transaction. Individuals seeking personal finance options are encouraged to do business only with reputable lenders and to shop around for the most favorable loan terms.
Consumers with questions about solicitations that they suspect may be fraudulent are encouraged to contact the Federal Reserve Board Consumer Help Center at http://www.federalreserveconsumerhelp.gov/ or by calling 1-888-851-1920.
Shazam Fraudulent Telephone Calls
December 1, 2008—Our debit card processor, SHAZAM, has alerted Community South of a “vishing” fraud attack that is targeting financial institutions. The attack consists of an automated telephone call in which a prerecorded voice advises the recipient that the call is on behalf of SHAZAM and that the cardholder must “reactivate” his or her card by entering information immediately. These calls are fraudulent and have not been authorized by SHAZAM.
Always remember this advice whenever you receive a call requesting information: Never give personal or financial information such as your social security number, checking, account, debit card number, or credit card numbers over the phone unless you initiate the call and you know the person or organization.
If you have already received such a call and you have given information, please contact your local Community South Branch.
How can you reduce the number of unsolicited telemarketing calls you receive?
The National Do Not Call Registry is open for business, putting consumers in charge of the telemarketing calls they get at home. The Federal government created the national registry to make it easier and more efficient for you to stop getting telemarketing calls you don't want. You can register online at http://www.donotcall.gov/ or call toll-free, 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236), from the number you wish to register. Registration is free.
The Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the states are enforcing the National Do Not Call Registry. Placing your number on the registry will stop most, but not all, telemarketing calls.
This site has information for you—whether you're a consumer interested in signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry, or a telemarketer or seller interested in learning more about your responsibilities related to the Telemarketing Sales Rule.
You may even place your personal cell phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry. The registry has accepted cell phone numbers since it opened for registrations in June 2003. There is no deadline to register a home or cell phone number on the Registry.
You may have received an email telling you that your cell phone is about to be assaulted by telemarketing calls as a result of a new cell phone number database; however, that is not the case. Federal Communications Commission regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers.
How can you reduce the number of unsolicited credit and insurance offers you get in your mailbox?
If you decide that you don’t want to receive prescreened offers of credit and insurance, you have two choices: You can opt out of receiving them for five years or opt out of receiving them permanently. Call toll-free 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit http://www.optoutprescreen.com/ for details. The telephone number and website are operated by the major consumer reporting companies. When you call or visit the website, you'll be asked to provide certain personal information, including your home telephone number, name, Social Security number, and date of birth. The information you provide is confidential and will be used only to process your request to opt out.
Remember that if you have joint credit relationships, like a mortgage or a car loan with a spouse, partner, or other adult, you may continue to receive some prescreened solicitations until both of you exercise your opt-out right.