CELLPHONE SCAMS IN BOSSIER - The Bossier Financial Crimes Task Force is warning residents about a rash of phishing texts recently reported in the area. Phishing is a common practice in which criminals attempt to gain your personal information like passwords, PIN numbers, even your Social Security Number, and they use bogus text messages that could appear to be from your bank or credit card company. Sgt. Chris Davis is a detective with Bossier City Police Financial Crimes Task Force. He explains how your information is gathered and what happens next.
"What we've learned is that there is a 'skimmer' or something, whether it's placed on an ATM or gas pump, things like that. When you swipe you card, they get the last portion of your card. And then these people get your information to send these text messages out."
And as to what happens next, Detective Davis explains the type offraudulent message a caller could expect.
"Well like for me, it would read Chris Davis, your card ending in 1234 like my debit card, has been locked. Please call this number to unlock your account. Of course that throws up red flags and freaks you out as a member, as a person of that bank. The call the number and the number's automated. But when they call the number, the number asks for the full card number, your social sometimes, even your PIN to the card a majority 0f the time and that would never happen."
Now If you get a Text from your bank or credit card company AND you’re unsure of whether a message is fake, Sgt Davis says: You should contact your
financial institution directly, not through the suspicious text. Call the number on the back of your card or go directly to a trusted website. Never give out your complete information as that would be a warning flag that something is not legit
