WARNING: Hackers Using Real Bank Phone Numbers to Steal Banking Info

Cyber thieves are using caller ID spoofing tools to trick consumers into sharing access to their banking information via Smartphone apps. The thieves call consumers from phone numbers associated with major banks, like Chase or Wells Fargo, and then ask to verify a Zelle transaction.

The criminals are able to fake the bank's phone number due to access to caller ID spoofing calls, which allow them to emulate almost any phone number in the United States. The thieves have even advised skeptical callers to Google the phone # they are calling from to verify they are actually from the bank.

Once they convince the consumer they are from an actual bank, they will attempt to gain access information to their banking information by asking the caller to download an app to verify their Zelle information is correct.

The hackers are well spoken and appear to be American. They are fluent in American-style English and very conversational. Unlike other scam callers which are often obvious, these callers are professional.

If you receive a call from your bank, we highly suggest you exercise extreme caution before sharing any information or clicking on links they send you. 

Why are we sharing this?
While this alert is not specific to the LMR industry, our company's president was targeted 3 times in one week. According to representatives from Chase, the use of caller ID spoofing is new. Hence, we wanted to help get the word out.

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Be Wary When Your Phone Rings. It May Not Be Who You Think.

As our lives and information become increasingly accessible online, our privacy and data become less secure. One of the newest technologies hackers are employing is the use of caller ID spoofing technology to make it look like they are calling people from a genuine bank. If you have ever answered a call because the name on your phone’s display was familiar – only to discover the person calling was not who you thought it was going to be – then VoIP technology or a spoofing service was probably to blame. Telemarketers use this technology to get you to answer a call, but cybercriminals have taken the approach to a whole new level.

Authentic-Looking Phone Numbers

Lately, hackers have been using this technology to gain access to banking information. The callers often sound professional, speak fluent English, and have a charismatic, conversational approach, so recipients unknowingly trust them. When challenged, the hackers often tell callers to check the number using Google, which can be verified immediately, dispelling concerns about authenticity. If the hackers get past these hurdles, unsuspecting recipients may share everything from passwords to personal data that makes accessing their accounts easy.

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

Passwords, account numbers, and personal information are currency to a cybercriminal. And even though cyber-experts recommend that people change their online passwords frequently, it is more important not to use the same password for similar account types in the first place. Hackers will use your information on multiple banking sites, especially if they are able to tap into one right away. Remember: your strongest password becomes increasingly vulnerable when used repeatedly.

The next time you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from your bank, pause and make sure it is true. If you cannot remember the last time someone from your bank called you on the phone, then it is likely that any “bank style” phone call is coming from an unscrupulous source. Be cautious with your information and avoid clicking on links sent by unknown/unverified callers, especially when someone asks to text you to verify your information. A moment’s pause may protect your privacy and your pocketbook.