The Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office, BBB and Cashmere Valley Bank warn that consumers are getting calls on their cell phones and/or text messages from an automated caller.
The message states that someone's credit or debit card has been blocked and they are directed to call a phone number and provide their bank account number.
BBB ADVICE
This is a scam misusing the good name of Cashmere Valley Bank. Do not return the call, click on any hyperlinks and/or provide any personal information.
If this is not your bank, ignore the entire thing. If you do bank with this group and have questions about your account, ALWAYS contact your bank directly, and don't respond to messsages sent in this manner.
Thieves often use computer software that can randomly dial phone numbers, either through the Internet or using a special phone. Once scammers know the telephone prefixes for a particular area, they can send messages specific to that region pretending to represent a well known company, such as your financial institution or bank.
They’ll hit several numbers that don't exist and/or that don't accept text messages, but they are gambling on the odds that they will hit many live numbers – and that some of those people will actually do business with the company they are falsely representing.
Please share this information with your friends and family. It’s only when all consumers are fully educated to never give out their personal or account information.