The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a bank impersonation scam being reported in the community. (IRCSO)
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) —The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a bank impersonation scam being reported in the community.
In the scam, victims receive a phone call from someone claiming to work in their bank’s “Fraud Department.” The caller may claim fraudulent charges were attempted or declined on the victim’s account and may reference banking information or recent transactions to make the call seem legitimate.
The caller then tells the victim to cut their debit card in half because it has been compromised. The scammer says someone will come to the victim’s home to collect the card.
According to the sheriff’s office, someone may then arrive at the victim’s residence, place the card in an envelope and leave with it.
The sheriff’s office says this is a scam.
Residents are reminded that banks will not send someone to their home to collect a debit or credit card.
People should never give their card, PIN, account information or other banking details to someone who contacts them unexpectedly.
If someone calls claiming to be from your bank, the sheriff’s office recommends hanging up and calling the bank directly. Do not use a phone number provided by the caller or rely on the number displayed on caller ID.
Instead, use the number printed on the back of your card or another verified number to confirm you are speaking with the bank’s fraud department.
Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to the scam should submit an online report with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
If you have a Ring doorbell, security camera or other surveillance footage showing the person who came to your home, the sheriff’s office asks residents to mention that in their report and upload the footage.
The sheriff’s office is reminding residents: STOP. HANG UP. CALL YOUR BANK DIRECTLY.
Residents are also encouraged to share the warning with family, friends and neighbors who could be targeted.
