Another banking scam incident reported in Chatham County

Posted Thursday, July 10, 2008

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Pittsboro, NC - The Chatham County Council on Aging reports that an older adult in Chatham County received a phone call from a person claiming to represent Wachovia Bank in an effort to fraudulently obtain checking account information.

Reports of scam attempts like this one are becoming an epidemic as the economy declines, said Angel Dennison, director of the Council on Aging. “I urge everyone in the county to be on the alert for these scams and to please make the effort to educate family members, friends or neighbors who are particularly vulnerable to these scams.”

Residents are reminded that they should NEVER provide bank account, credit card information or Social Security numbers to people calling or visiting your home. “A bank, credit card company or other legitimate business would not contact you by phone or a home visit to get this information.”

In this incident, Dennison said the caller asked the Chatham resident to stay on the line while being connected to an account specialist. “The person posing as the account specialist then asked for the senior’s checking account number and other personal information.”

The individual complied with the request because she is, in fact, a Wachovia customer and believed that the request was legitimate. “It is not hard for people to find out where you bank. All they have to do is see a copy of a check, a credit card or a piece of mail with a bank logo on it to get this information,” Dennison said.

Fortunately, the Chatham resident was able to put a hold on her checking account and open a new one without losing money, but others may not be so fortunate, Dennison added.

To report a suspected scam attempt, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 542-2811, Police Department (if you live in town limits) or contact the Council on Aging at 542-4512.