Consumer Alert: New Vishing and Phishing Scams Reported in Kansas

March 27, 2009 -- Attorney General Steve Six is alerting Kansans to a new scam that has already emerged in Brown and Nemaha counties. Recently Kansans have received emails, text messages, and phone calls alerting them that their bank accounts and/or bank debit cards have been restricted and need to be reactivated; they are then directed to call a phone number or log onto a website and provide sensitive information to reactivate their account.

Consumers are asked to provide their account number, card number, expiration date, security code, and their Personal Identification Number. These emails, text messages, and phone calls are scams. Banks and other financial institutions will never contact customers by email or phone.

Law enforcement in both counties reported the scam; however it may be taking place in other parts of the state. The Attorney General's Office warns Kansans not give out any personal information over the phone or through emails or text messages.

Consumers should never give out any personal information over the phone or through email without first confirming the caller's identity. If the caller asks the consumer for their credit card company, credit card number, checking account number, social security number, it is probably a scam. Your bank and credit institutions should already have that information.

If you have received a similar call or email, contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 1(800) 432-2310. Consumers should also consider notifying their banking institution and local law enforcement.