More financial institution names have been added to the robocall phone scam claiming to originate from Alaskan banks.
As we previously reported, Michelle Tabler with the Better Business Bureau says consumers must be very wary of giving out banking information over the phone.
Tabler: “They’re saying if you have a First National Bank MasterCard that there’s been a compromise and to please give them a call and then they give you a number and when you call they ask for your card number.”
Using automated calls, the scammers now claim to be from Northrim Bank, First National Bank Alaska, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, and Credit Union 1, among others.
Tabler says if banking customers are initiating calls to their financial institutions, then giving information over the phone is alright; if the call initiated by another source, do not give out information.
Tabler: “In other situations where you’re not quite sure, never call the phone number that they’re giving you, you call the phone number that you have for your bank or credit card company.”
Tabler reported dozens of calls that had come into the BBB over the weekend. Anchorage Police and banks themselves say the calls have increased throughout the week.