“We have told everyone that has come in to report these calls to the police... when criminals get customer information they can make credit cards” and charge high amounts. The charges can continue until the customer detects them or the bank notices unusual usage and notifies the customer, but if the latter is the scenario, “The bank or credit card company will never, ever ask for the PIN number.”
The banker said she recently was a victim when she used an ATM at a Fillmore-based area bank branch that contained a skimmer, an almost undetectable device that copies credit card information. Anyone, she stressed, can be a victim, but the reports the bank has received in recent days were all from elderly customers.
“Hopefully, people will be careful and remember we’ll never ask you for your PIN number, not even inside the bank... and if anyone asks you for the number over the phone they are not legitimate. If you have any questions, call the bank or credit card company directly - not using any number a caller provides for you.”
The banker said it is important for everyone to remember one thing: “We wouldn’t ask for any of that sensitive credit card information... we already have it all, except for that PIN number. And that is something we would never, ever ask for.”
Santa Paula Police urge all who are called and asked for personal information - whether banking, credit card or identification, such as Social Security - to refuse to provide same. If you feel it is necessary, phone your financial institution using the phone number on the bill or the credit card itself. Also, refuse to divulge your Social Security number and call the Social Security office direct.
