Payette County residents warned of bank scam
Swindle revolves around bank accounts, letters and faxes
By Jeff Ward
Argus Observer
Thursday, November 13, 2008 12:05 PM PST
Payette — Residents in Payette County need to be on the lookout for a possible scam using Wells Fargo Bank’s name.
Some Wells Fargo customers in Payette County have received a letter that says new security measures are being implemented at the bank and that verification of their accounts is needed. The letter is asking for personal identification such as first and last name, Social Security number, address, credit or debit card number and expiration date, three digit code verification number, which is located on the back of the card and the card holder’s personal identification number. The letter then instructs the customer to fax the information within 24 hours or their account will be temporarily suspended. The fax number is a land line number situated in Princeton, N.J.
Wells Fargo corporate office is located in San Francisco and credit card services home office is located in Los Angeles. Amy McDecitt, a Wells Fargo vice president and communications consultant in Boise, offers tips to prevent identity theft and fraud.
“Carry only necessary information with you,” McDecitt said. “Leave your Social Security card and unused credits cards at home in a safe and secure location. Make photocopies of vital information you carry regularly and store them in a secure place, such as a safety deposit box. Do not provide your Social Security number unless absolutely necessary. Replace paper invoices, statements and checks with electronic versions, if offered by your employer, bank, utility provider or merchant. Shred documents containing personal or financial information before discarding. Most fraud and identity theft incidents happen as a result of mail and garbage theft.”
People can obtain a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus at
www.annualcreditreport.com.
There are also several ID theft protection products available many through the banks. Experts believe because of the economic climate, ID theft could reach an all-time high, especially as the holidays approach. People are encouraged to contact their banks if they have any questions or concerns about possible identity theft.
