TIP - The Card Pick-Up Scam

This new type of identity theft is becoming more common. Don’t get caught by these scammers!

First, the identity thieves call, email, or text you, posing as your bank or the issuer of your credit card. That’s the first red flag—those institutions will NEVER contact you by phone.

They ask for your PIN number in order to verify details of your account. That’s the second red flag—legitimate financial institutions will NEVER ask you to divulge your PIN.

If you are too trusting and give them your PIN, then they claim you should mail your card (or the chip on it) back to an address they give you so it can be “safely recycled.” That’s the third red flag—your bank will never ask you to return your card. Instead, when it’s time to get a new one, you should destroy your old one.

If you do send in your card, then the thieves have your intact card and your PIN. They will quickly clean out your account.

Don’t let this happen to you! Never respond to phone calls from your bank. Never give out your PIN. And never ever mail back your card.