I was on my cell phone today with a client. I got this little musical tune that I get when a text message comes in. In my case, that is about once a month -- I hate text messaging. I have an account at Northcoast Credit Union, a well-respected local financial institution. So, it got my attention when the text said: MsgID4_65NDWUBG@v.w NORTH COAST CU NOTICE: Your card has been DISABLED. Please call 360.200.5197. It ends up that this is a phising scam. If you call the number, then a woman's voice says that they need to lookup your account and ask for the account number. Of course, when you do so, they get your info. In my case, I entered a fake number because I did not know quite what to think. Afterwards I called Northcoast and, sure enough, it is a scam. Now, Northcoast told me that this has been going on for a couple weeks now and that they have had over 1400 reported instances of problems. Since the return telephone number is so plainly visible, I cannot figure out why the authorities, read that as police, working with the cell phone companies cannot figure out the "root" of this problem and shut it down. Anyway, this type of thing is bound to be a problem in our wired and wireless society. But, if you live in this area and get such a text, then provide no numbers and call the financial institution. I imagine that when they are done with Northcoast, they will move to another well-known local bank or credit union. Thanks for stopping by, Steven L. Smith
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I get text messages...and I know the Higher Powers will forgive me....I do not answer them. They are mostly fakes or phishers. My clients know how to reach me...phone or email.
Take care out there. It's a scary world these days.
I have my hands on the computer screen brother and I can feel your pain all the way over here in this side of the universe! I have one word for them and it cannot be typed in a family forum. Tell Nutsy to eat his heart out. I'm better looking...
Move to another bank? Of course they will. And people will call.
WOW, they will try anything! Thanks for the warning Steven!
If these people would just go out and get jobs, we would solve the unemployment problem in this country!
Have a fantastic Tuesday Steve,
Paul
Thanks for the warning. I always think twice before answering any text message no matter how legit it looks.
Boss, A SUPER KATE investigation turned up GUESS WHO is behind the scam you describe. Yep, Nutsy under his new alias, RatAttack has been busy trying to defraud the good folks of Washington state.
But RatAttack is no match for SUPER KATE.
Kate,
You and I both know that what you have made up here is totally a fiction and Nutsy and I are offended.l
Hi Steven, good advice. My rule is never provide any info over the phone or computer unless I am absolutely sure I know who is on the other end.
There seems to be no shortage of opportunities for scammers in today's world.
It's wild that the scams are just endless. I think they must have conventions for this training in Nigeria.
Steve,
I sure wish they could catch these guys quickly.
Don
It is certainly annoying having to sort what is scam and what is real.