Associated Press Published

AG Warns of Phone Scam

Patrick Morrisey, W. Va. Attorney General

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is warning residents about a new scam involving bank card customer service numbers.

Morrisey says scammers are buying phone numbers similar to those of actual customer service numbers used by debit and credit card companies. They place ads online promoting the number as a customer service hotline to trick people who are looking for help with their account. Callers hear a recorded message promoting them to enter their personal information.

The attorney general says one way to avoid this scam is to only use the number located on the debit or credit card. Consumers can also look for the company’s official website and number, and be wary of information in pop-up ads.