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Text Message Scam Targets Bank Debit Cardholders

February 24, 2009-- Sturgeon Bay, WI --- Baylake Bank is alerting the public of a “phishing” scam that is utilizing a cell phone text message to obtain debit card account information.

According to calls received by Baylake Bank representatives, the text message states that debit card information has been compromised and asks the recipient to call a phone number where a recorded message requests specific and personal account information.

The bank is warning that this a fraudulent attempt to obtain debit card account information, and notes that Baylake Bank, as with most other legitimate financial institutions, will never ask you for your password, or Personal Identification Number (PIN). However, they may confirm personal account information if you initiate the call to help verify your identity.

If you believe you have released any information in response to this “phishing” text message, or believe you have compromised your account information, please immediately proceed with the following:

(1) Contact your bank to close the card immediately. If after regular business hours, contact the 1-800 phone number on the back of your debit card.

(2) Contact your local law enforcement agency and report that you have been scammed and are now the victim of fraud.

“At Baylake Bank, we safeguard our customers through every means possible, including helping our customers understand ways to protect themselves,” explained Baylake Bank’s Senior Vice President of Operations Dan Hanson. “We want to warn the public so it doesn’t happen to them. Often, these scammers will tell you that a security procedure has changed at the bank or that they need to update or validate your account information.”
For more information or if you have questions, please contact your local Baylake Bank Financial Center, or call 1 (800) 267-3610.

Baylake Bank, Member FDIC/Equal Housing Lender, serves its communities from 28 financial centers in Brown, Door, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Waushara counties and from its website at www.baylake.com.