Debit card scam targets the area

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce reported a scam targeting VISA debit card holders.

Chuck Fogerson, a director with the chamber, said if someone receives a phone call from phone number 615-378-6237, do not answer, it’s a scam.

The call reveals an automated phone message telling the person who answers that “due to security reasons,” their VISA debit card can not be used, he explained. The automated message proceeds to direct callers to dial their 16-digit debit card number in order to alleviate the problem.

Fogerson said he received the automated message and almost entered his card information before realizing it was a scam.

The automated message does identify themselves with any bank or credit union, he added.

No bank or credit union will ever call a customer asking for their 16-digit debit or credit card number, Fogerson explained.

It seems the calls generally happen in the evening and are targeting U.S. Bank and Bank of America card holders, he said.

Fogerson said he called the phone number back and only received a busy signal. The Columbia Basin Herald also called the phone number and confirmed the busy signal at various times throughout the day.

Anyone who has given their cardholder information during the automated message is urged to contact their bank or credit union’s fraud department immediately.