District Attorney Scott Storey is warning citizens of a telephone scam that has re-surfaced in Jefferson County. In the last few days several people have called the District Attorney’s Office to report that they have received disturbing automated phone calls alleging to be from their bank or credit union.

The automated message tells the customer that their ATM card has been canceled or deactivated due to fraudulent activity. The customer is then asked to enter their credit card information or other personal and identifying information so that the bank can investigate the “scam” and reactivate the card or reverse charges on the account.

“This is a scam”, warns DA Storey, “and its hitting our area hard.” The people who are being targeted do business at various banks and credit unions in area. The calls are random and may not be from the customer’s actual bank.

This is one of many “phishing” methods used by scam artists to gain access to consumers’ credit card, debit card or ATM card numbers. “Fraudsters consider it a good day if they confuse or sway just one person into providing them with their personal financial information,” says Storey. “They then use that information to obtain cash or merchandise.”

A legitimate bank or credit union will never use an automated call to contact a victim of fraudulent activity.

Storey recommends that you never provide your personal or financial information over the phone to anyone unless you have verified that they are with your bank or credit union.

Contact your bank or credit union if you believe you may have been scammed into providing this information. For more information call Deb Ohno at the District Attorney’s Office, 303-271-6931.