FBI Warns of New Fraudulent Credit Card Scheme

Kevin C. Donovan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, state of Alaska, advises that Alaskans may be targeted for a new variation of a fraudulent scheme concerning credit cards. Under this new scheme, victims receive a text message on their cell phones stating their cards have been deactivated and to call a 907 area-code number to re-activate. The recording asks for their 16-digit card number, expiration date, CVV code, and PIN.

Mr. Donovan advises that should you receive a text message from an entity regarding your credit card account, delete the message and call the number listed on the back of your credit card. Calling the listed number will allow individuals to determine whether the incoming text message was a valid contact attempt from their credit card company.

Mr. Donovan also advises that the elderly are especially vulnerable to this scheme. The public is encouraged to visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center’s website at www.ic3.gov to learn more about the different schemes targeting the unsuspecting public and how to identify and report such fraudulent schemes.