Investigation leads to Romania
SYRACUSE -- Investigators looking into a phone phishing scam have now traced ATM withdrawals to a bank in Romania. That's the latest discovery coming from an intense round of unwanted phone calls targeting customers of Solvay Bank. The FBI is among those investigating the intricate link of phone calls made through hacking into phone systems of unknowing businesses.
The phone calls have continued in the 315 area code this week despite the publicity the story has generated.Investigators say at least three customers of Solvay Bank have given detailed information to the callers after being duped into thinking the calls were legitimate. That account information has been used to withdraw as much as $400 from each account through the overseas ATM.
Solvay Bank continues to warn its customers that they do not make phone calls or send text messages asking for personal bank information. They urge anyone who receives such a call to refrain from giving any information and hang up the phone.
Original Story from Monday, 10/19
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking into a phone phishing scam that is asking Central New Yorkers for detailed banking information.
Customers of Solvay Bank are among those who are being called by an automated service methodically dialing through a range of numbers in the 315 area code. Solvay Bank is alerting customers reminding them the bank never initiates phone calls or text messages requesting this type of information. Customer George Hall got the phonecall early Monday morning and says it sounds believable. "If a 98-year-old lady answers the phone it sounded so real, you would simply press 1 and offer your information. Those are the people they're really targeting, I'm sure."
Customers of the bank say the calls offers a voice menu. If you make a certain choice you are then asked for detailed banking information. Security and banking experts are telling those who receive the calls to hang up and give no information.
Doug Shields, with Secure Network Technologies advises, "Even if you have caller ID it looks like the phone number of your bank, those can be fake. Hang up the phone, call your bank, if the bank really wants to get ahold of you, you'll know its your bank because they'll ask you the security questions you've set in place."
