WTVY - HomePage - Headlines

Text Scam Hitting Wiregrass

Print
By: Deanna Bettineschi Email
Posted: Thu 4:39 PM, Jan 24, 2013

Wiregrass residents say they have been contacted through text messages asking for their personal bank information.
Luckily, they knew it was a scam, and now want to spread the word so others don’t become a target.

“Yesterday around 330 I got a text message on my cell phone that said "bank account alert, your card has been deactivated" and it gave a number to call.” Taylor resident Melinda Luther said.

Melinda Luther says this text message put her on alert because something didn't seem right.

“Well my initial feeling was gosh I have to call this number if they deactivated my card. And then i said, no it doesn’t have a bank listed, let me just call my bank.” Luther said.

Dothan police sergeant Rachel David says that call saved Luther’s banking information.

“It’s very important that you never reply to a suspicious text or email that is supposedly from your banking institution.” Dothan Police Department Sergeant Rachel David said.

“I called my bank and she said oh my goodness you didn’t call them and give them any information, I’ve already had three people call me.” Luther said.

Her bank alerted the fraud department, and then Luther warned her friends.

“You know facebook, a lot of people don’t think that’s a great social network, but i posted it there and alerted at least two other people.” Luther said.

“It’s very wonderful with people in the community share with us or one another if they have had something that seems suspicious in nature.” David said.

And although Luther wasn't happy to be targeted, she hopes her story will reach others, before the scammer reaches them.
Sergeant David says if you do get a text telling you to call a number, delete the text immediately.


Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
powered by Disqus

What's on Tonight

WTVY WTVY2 WTVY3 WRGX
4Warn Desktop Alert-Download it Now!

Your Opinion

Do you swim in public waterways?

Yes, Often
Yes, But Rarely
No, I Swim in Pools Only
No, Can't/Don't Swim
Send View

Follow WTVY

Facebook
Twitter
Ipad App
Droid App
Text Alerts
Enews
RSS Feeds

Wiregrass Photobook

Upload your images, or browse our other albums.
In Partnership with AL.com
WTVY-TV 285 N Foster Street Dothan, AL 36303 334-792-3195
Gray Television, Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2013 - Designed by Gray Digital Media - Powered by Clickability
User Agent: CCBot/2.0 - 188275201