Wisconsin Senior Medicare Patrol

Scammers are targeting Wisconsinites who hold accounts with Associated Bank, the largest  bank in the state.

The fraudsters used text messages to tell customers that their accounts had been hacked. Luckily, customers got suspicious when the crooks asked for confidential information – like their debit card PIN numbers – and reported it to police.

WISN.com has more details on the scam.

Protect yourself:

• If you don’t have a bank account with an institution that sends a notice about a hacked account, report it immediately to police. These are scammers attempting to get your personal information.
• Banks are extremely careful about what information they ask for. If you have questions about your account, visit your local bank branch for help. Don’t give out personal information – like a Social Security Number – over the phone.
• Banks and other financial institutions never ask for personal data via text or email.
• Don’t allow pressure tactics, or too-good-to-be-true offers to sway you into giving up personal information to a stranger over the phone – even if they claim to represent your bank or credit card company.
• When in doubt,hang up the phone. Call your bank or local law enforcement and report the call, text or email.