Press Releases
Fraud Alert – Bogus Cell Phone Text Messages Sent to Yolo Citizens
(Woodland, CA) – June 17, 2010 – In the past few days local citizens have been receiving a rash of fake cell phone text messages claiming to be from Yolo Federal Credit Union. The message states that there is a problem with “Your YOLO FCU CARD starting with 4661.” The message continues, “Your card has been placed on hold and you should call the number provided.”
This type of scam using text messages on a cell phone is called “Vishing.” The message can be sent out to thousands of people by crooks pretending to be legitimate businesses, such as banks and credit card providers. The goal is to lure large numbers of people into providing personal information like bank or credit card numbers. The scammers attempt to appeal to the victim’s emotions so that the victim will quickly call back and provide sensitive and private information that will be used for future identify theft crimes.
Numerous Yolo County citizens have contacted the District Attorney to report this scam. Several realized the message was a scam just prior to providing their account numbers.
District Attorney Jeff Reisig firmly believes that being educated is the best way to prevent being victimized. “To prevent identity theft, never respond to any unsolicited requests for personal information without independently verifying that the requests are legitimate,” said Reisig. “If you are unsure, call your bank.”
The Yolo County Federal Credit Union voiced concerns and offered its assistance. “Our members can rest assured that Yolo FCU stands ready to assist its members and that no data or personal information has been compromised,” stated Yolo FCU Vice President Jenee Rawlings.
Given today’s increasingly sophisticated threats used by crooks from all over the world, people must learn how to protect themselves from this type of scam as well as other fraud scams. The Yolo County District Attorney, in partnership with many other agencies, will be hosting a Fraud Fair on July 8, 2010 at West Sacramento City Hall from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. The Fraud Fair will provide an excellent educational opportunity where citizens will learn how to protect themselves and prevent being victimized. There is no admission fee to enter the Fraud Fair.
For more information or directions please contact Dave Edwards at (530) 666-8416.
