By Michelle Bliss
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/whqr/local-whqr-973792.mp3
06-17 – Authorities say thieves using text messages have scammed around $100,000 from Gateway Bank customers in North Carolina and Virginia. WHQR's Michelle Bliss reports that some customers are receiving fake text messages saying their debit cards have been deactivated.
Victims are then instructed to call a phone number and enter in their debit card number, expiration date and PIN code. The thieves use that information to make new debit cards and withdraw money. North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper says that people receiving these messages should contact the police.
"Do not respond. Do not click on links you get in texts and emails because legitimate businesses do not communicate with you in that way. What people are trying to do is to steal your personal information; they're trying to steal your money. Don't fall for it."
Cooper says that his office has received complaints about similar scams for years, but those were mostly through phone and email communication. Text messages are a more recent issue and the Gateway Bank scam has only been reported in the last few weeks.
State officials say the scheme has now branched out to Bragg Mutual Federal Credit Union customers as well.
Withdrawals have been made as far away as California, and at least 10 different phone numbers have been used by the thieves.
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he thieves, mostly with North Carolina and Virginia area codes.