Terry Goddard Warns Consumers About Text Message Scam

Attorney General Terry Goddard today warned consumers about the latest “phishing” scam using text messaging. The scam is a variation on traditional “phishing,” which involves scammers searching for personal identifying or financial information by sending phony emails.

The text message scam works like this: A consumer receives a text message stating that a bank account has been suspended. The consumer is provided a phone number to call to “reactivate” the account. When the phone number is called, a recorded message asks the person to enter his or her bank account number. The text messages have falsely claimed to be from various banks and credit agencies in the state, such as Arizona Central Credit Union.

This is a scam! These text messages are fraudulent and are an attempt to steal personal identifying and financial information.

Goddard offered the following tips:

• Be wary of text messages or phone calls that insist on gathering personal information. If you don’t know who is making the request, delete the text message or hang up.

• Do not give out personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account numbers or credit card numbers, to anyone you do not know.

• Report any suspicious calls to the Attorney General’s Office at 602-542-5763.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at 602.542.5763; in Tucson at 520.628.6504; or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at 1.800.352.8431. To file a complaint in person, the Attorney General’s Office has 36 satellite offices throughout Arizona with volunteers available to help. Locations and hours are posted on the Attorney General’s Web site at www.azag.gov. Please visit the Web site to sign up for scam alerts and weekly messages from Attorney General Goddard.