Seniors Targeted in New Bank Fraud Scheme

A new bank fraud scheme has been targeting senior citizens, with con artists impersonating their banks and claiming that their accounts are under attack. The scammers inform their victims that their credit and debit cards are no longer functional and offer to collect the cards, deceitfully persuading them to reveal their PINs. Once they have the PINs, the fraudsters withdraw money from the victims' accounts using ATMs.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine warned the public about this scheme during a press conference last week. He emphasized that the fraudsters are using spoofed numbers to make their calls appear legitimate, and urged people not to answer unknown calls. If someone claims that your bank accounts have been compromised, Romaine advised hanging up and calling the number on the back of the card instead.

The Suffolk County Police Department has also issued a warning, encouraging people not to provide personal information, wire money, or send gift cards in response to such calls. They stressed that no one from a company will travel to your home to pick up a bank card, and that any requests for money or personal information should be treated with suspicion.

This new fraud scheme highlights the importance of vigilance when it comes to protecting personal and financial information. Seniors, in particular, are being targeted by these scammers, and it is crucial for them to be aware of the tactics used by fraudsters. By following the advice of law enforcement and being cautious when answering unknown calls, individuals can help protect themselves from falling victim to this type of scam.