BBB Connecticut issues alert to Commonwealth Credit Union customers
Released on: August 21, 2008, 8:48 am
Press Release Author: Howard Schwartz-Director of Communications, BBB CT
Industry: Consumer Services
Press Release Summary: Kentucky-based vishing" scam appears in Connecticut
Press Release Body: Wallingford, CT - August 21, 2008- Connecticut Better Business Bureau has learned of a scam targeting customers of the Commonwealth Credit Union.
CT BBB reports the scam has made its way from Kentucky to Connecticut.
Commonwealth CU has been the target of an extensive "voice-fishing" scam. A recorded message tells clients their credit cards have been suspended, asks them to call a toll-free telephone number, and once they do, they are asked for their credit card numbers to "reactivate" their accounts.
Both members and non-members of Commonwealth CU have received these calls on their cell, work and home phones. One such call was received at 10:00 p.m., this past week by a Connecticut resident.
Connecticut BBB President, Paulette Hotton says this is an early warning for Connecticut residents.
"Once again we are cautioning people about giving out personal information over the telephone, regardless of who asks for it. This may not be the last we see of this kind of deception."
Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway cautions against responding to the message. Commonwealth Credit Union confirms it never makes calls asking for personal information.
On its website, Commonwealth acknowledges the voice phishing scam, and says thousands of people in Kentucky alone have been targets of these attacks. Among the toll-free numbers victims are asked to call is one based in Columbia, CT.
Web Site: http://www.bbb.org
Contact Details: Connecticut Better Business Bureau 94 South Turnpike Rd Wallingford, CT 06492 203-269-2700 ext 103