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NEW VISHING SCAM TARGETS WISCONSIN
Bogus voice mail messages used to scare consumers into providing account information

October 28, 2009 - Source:  Wisconsin Bankers Association

Several Wisconsin banks and credit unions report a new vishing scam in Wisconsin.

Automated messages are being left on peoples’ voice mail system, including cell phones. The message claims to be from a financial institution’s security department and warns that the customer’s debit card has been compromised. The message then prompts consumers to reveal their account information.

Vishing scams can be extremely convincing, but no bank, credit union or other legitimate business will request a customer to verify personal information such as PINs, bank account numbers or Social Security numbers over the phone.

The Wisconsin Bankers Association urges consumers to protect themselves by following three steps:

• Stop. Do not respond immediately.

• Think. Why would my bank need this information?

• Call. The number on your bank statement or in the phone book.

Personal information that you should never release in a conversation not initiated by you includes:

• Bank Account Numbers

• Bank Card Numbers - Credit or Debit

• Personal Identification Numbers (PINs)

• Social Security Numbers

If you have been a target and responded in a phone scam, immediately contact Baylake Bank at 1-800-267-3610.  For scams involving your Check Card, call Baylake Bank during regular business hours at 1-800-267-3610 or call SHAZAM any time at 1-800-383-8000.

Baylake Bank 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.  For more information call (920) 743-5551 or 1-800-267-3610.