Beware of a new text message scam trying to get your credit card number

TransUnion, one of the three credit reporting agencies, received many phone calls in September from consumers regarding a fraud scam.  It’s because of the volume of calls that TransUnion became aware of the scam.  It involves text messages and voicemails informing credit card customers that their credit card has been deactivated and are instructed to call a number for more information.  When the number is called, a recorded message asks for the sixteen-digit credit card number plus more personal information.

TransUnion wants to alert cell and smart phone users about this scam.  It doesn’t matter what type of phone you have, which carrier you use, or what platform you are on, this scam can attack any of them.

In July, a similar scam was reported by credit unions from around the country.  Credit union members received text messages from ”Credit Union Services” to call a number to have their card reactivated. There were several different phone numbers provided.

If you get a voicemail or text like either of these, don’t call the number on the message.  Instead, call your credit card company using the number on the back of your credit card.  This is probably a scam.

You should never respond to a request for your personal information on the internet or phone, unless you are certain of the source.  Financial institutions and credit card companies don’t ask for your personal information via the internet or phone, so don’t provide that information. If you initiated the call and trust the source, provide the information.  If something doesn’t seem right, don’t give out any personal information.

If you have given out your account information or received this scam message, you may want to get your credit report, place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit report.  To receive a free copy of your credit report go to www.annualcreditreport.com  and order a credit report from all three credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.  Review your credit reports for any new accounts that have been opened that you didn’t approve. To  place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit report at each of the three credit reporting agencies, use the contact information below:

Equifax: www.equifax.com or (800) 525-6285 or (888) 766-0008

Experian: www.experian.com or  (888) 397-3742

TransUnion: www.transunion.com  or (800) 680-7289

John Ulzheimer is the President of Consumer Education at SmartCredit.com, the credit blogger for Mint.com, and a Contributor for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.  He is an expert on credit reporting, credit scoring and identity theft. Formerly of FICO, Equifax and Credit.com, John is the only recognized credit expert who actually comes from the credit industry.  Follow him on Twitter here.

Categorised in: Credit Cards, Credit Monitoring, Credit Report, Identity Theft, Money & Identity

This post was written by John Ulzheimer