Covering the stories and trooper reports on Alaska's crime scene.
Published: November 16th, 2008 12:36 AM
Last Modified: November 16th, 2008 01:11 AM
Scammers are using real-seeming automated phone calls to get personal information from unsuspecting householders in the Anchorage area, and police are once again warning people not to give out information over the telephone.
Anchorage police say their Financial Crimes Unit has received an increasing number of reports this past week of callers claiming to be from local banks and financial institutions, targeting credit card users. The callers claim a credit card has been fraudulently used and is temporarily suspended. Victims are asked for information necessary to "reactivate" the account.
These criminals have automated calling systems that can fake a legitimate-looking caller ID, police say.
Police advise everyone not to give personal information to anyone over the phone unless you initiate the call yourself using a phone number you have gotten from the phone directory or other official source.
No legitimate business will ever ask you for your PIN number or password over the phone, police say.
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