Residents warned of call scams

Date: 10/3/2011

GREATER SPRINGFIELD — Attorney General (AG) Martha Coakley is warning consumers about reports of a “robo-calling” scam that is seeking to gain access to consumers’ banking and social security information.

“There are widespread reports from consumers who have received the automated phone calls asking people to enter their debit or credit card number,” Coakley said. “We are warning people not to provide any personal banking information based on an automated phone call. If you receive one of these automated calls, you should immediately hang up and contact our consumer hotline.”

Based on information and complaints received from consumers by the AG’s Office and area banks, it is believed that the robo-calling scam began in early September. Bank customers, non-customers, and employees have received automated robo-calls typically between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. These calls have frequently contacted consumers on their cell phones.

An example of a script of a typical call is as follows: “This is a call from NAME Bank. Your Mastercard account has been locked. Please press 1 now to unlock.” The recording then instructs the individual to enter his or her debit card number in order to activate it. There have been additional reports that consumers are now being asked for their social security numbers.

Originating numbers for these phone calls include, but are not limited to: (508) 475-1394, (214) 232-0615 and 1262 (just a four digit number). Many calls are also from unknown, restricted, or private numbers. If consumers receive one of these robo-calls, hang up and call the consumer hotline: (617) 727-8400.