State Attorney General Roy Cooper issued a warning to North Carolina consumers regarding a phishing scam that has drained $100,000 from victims.
Scammers send potential victims a text claiming their card has been deactivated. Cooper warns, "If you get one of these phony texts, don’t respond."
Victims report the texts say, "GATEWAY BANK ALERT: Your CARD starting with 4138** has been DEACTIVATED."
The message includes a phone number to call. Victims who call the number are asked to provide their debit card number, expiration date and PIN. This information makes it possible for scammers to make new debit cards.
As many as 10 different telephone numbers have been used in the phishing scam. Some include area codes from N.C and Virginia.
Debit card holders who have responded to the texts should contact Gateway Bank immediately at 1-800-523-4175 to block their cards.
You can read the full statement from the NCDOJ.
Matthew Fortner has been at The News & Observer since 2002. He has a passion for gadgets, cutting-edge technology and all things geek.