Telemarketer
scammers use a variety of deceptive tactics to trick individuals into revealing
their bank account and routing numbers, which they then use to withdraw money
without authorization.
Common Scams Used to Obtain Bank Account Numbers
Automatic Debit Scams: Scammers call and say you have won a prize or pre-qualified for a major credit card, but need your checking account information (account and routing numbers) for "identification," "verification," or to "deposit" the prize money. Once they have the numbers, they create an unsigned "demand draft" to withdraw money from your account.
Imposter Scams: Posing as representatives from your bank, a government agency (like the IRS or FBI), or law enforcement, the scammer claims there is a problem with your account (e.g., fraud activity or a security issue). They use high-pressure tactics to convince you that you must provide your account information immediately to "safeguard" your funds or assist with an "investigation".
Guaranteed Grants/Loans: A caller might claim you qualify for a free government grant or a low-interest loan but needs your bank account details to deposit the funds or process an upfront fee. Legitimate grants or loans do not require advance payment or your bank account number for verification over the phone.
"Free" Offers with Hidden Fees: Scammers offer a free gift, vacation, or product but require you to pay a small fee for shipping, handling, or taxes. They ask for your bank account information to process this minor payment, which then allows them to make larger, unauthorized withdrawals.
How to Protect Yourself
Never Give Out Account Information: Do not provide your bank account number, Social Security number, or other sensitive financial information over the phone to anyone who calls you, regardless of who they claim to be. Legitimate banks and government agencies will not ask for this information during an unsolicited call.
Initiate the Call: If you are concerned about an alert or offer, hang up and call the institution directly using a trusted phone number from your bank statement, the back of your debit card, or the official website. Do not use a number provided by the caller.
Beware of Pressure Tactics: Scammers use a sense of urgency or high-pressure tactics to force a quick decision. Legitimate businesses give you time to consider offers and provide information in writing.
Monitor Your Statements: Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorized debits or transactions and report them to your bank immediately.
Register for the Do Not Call List: While this won't stop scammers, it will reduce legitimate telemarketing calls, making scam calls easier to spot. You can register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
What
to Do If You Are a Victim
If you believe you have been a victim of a telemarketing scam, take these steps immediately:
Contact your bank to report the fraud and prevent further unauthorized transactions.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your state's Attorney General's office.
File a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Telemarketer scammers use high-pressure tactics and various impersonation schemes to trick individuals into revealing their bank account numbers, often through automatic debit scams or by pretending to be from a trusted institution like a bank or a government agency.
Common Scams
Bank Imposter Scams Scammers pose as employees from your bank, claiming there is a fraud alert or an issue with your account. They may use caller ID spoofing to make the call look legitimate. They then pressure you to "verify" your personal information, including your account number, PIN, or a one-time verification code, in order to "secure" your account. Instead, they use this information to access your funds or transfer them to a "safe account" that they control.
Prize or Free Gift Scams You are told you have won a major prize, vacation, or grant but must pay an upfront "fee" for taxes, shipping, or processing. To process the payment or deposit the "prize money," they ask for your bank account details. Legitimate prize promotions never require a payment to win.
Automatic Debit Scams Scammers may call with an offer for a credit card or other service and ask for your checking account number and routing number to "verify" your identity or process the offer. This information is then used to create an unauthorized "demand draft" to withdraw money from your account without your signature.
Government Impersonators Scammers pretend to be from government agencies like the IRS or a grant organization, claiming you owe money or qualify for a free grant. They demand your bank information to either collect payment or deposit the grant funds, but instead, they steal your money.
How to Protect Yourself
Never share sensitive information Do not give out your bank account number, credit card number, Social Security number, or PIN over the phone to someone who calls you unexpectedly. Your bank or a government agency will never call you and ask for this information unsolicited.
Verify the caller's identity If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately. Call the institution back using a trusted, verified phone number, such as the one on the back of your bank card, a recent statement, or their official website.
Beware of high pressure tactics Scammers create a sense of urgency to force you into making a quick decision without thinking. Legitimate companies will give you time to consider their offer.
Monitor your accounts Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions and report them to your bank immediately.
Register
for the Do Not Call list Sign up your phone number on the
official National Do Not Call Registry to reduce the number of
legitimate telemarketing calls, making scam calls easier to spot.
If you believe you are a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and consider filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
https://www.google.com/search?q=telemarketer+scams+used+to+get+your+bank+account+number
Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader
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