Attorney General Michelle Henry has issued a warning to residents of Pennsylvania regarding a phishing scam. The scam involves contacting individuals with claims of fraudulent activity on their banking accounts to steal personal information.
The scammers typically provide a phone number for the target to call or instruct them to reply to an email or text message. They then ask for login credentials, account numbers, and other personal identifiable information, such as social security numbers and dates of birth.
Henry emphasized that "financial institutions will never call you asking for your account information or log in credentials through a telephone call, text message or email." She advised those who receive such communications not to respond. Instead, individuals should contact the number on the back of their debit or credit card or reach out to their financial institution's local branch office to verify any claims.
Victims of phishing scams are encouraged to report incidents to the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. Reports can be made via the website https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/scams-complaint/, by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov, or by calling 1-800-441-2555.