State Banking Commissioner Issues Alert
Suspicious Phone Calls Have Been Reported
Requesting Credit Card Information

December 9, 2009

The Department of Banking has recently received several complaints from people who received phone calls claiming to be from their credit card company and requesting that they provide their credit card number.  Take note that this is something your financial institution would never do.

In one case the caller claimed to be from Bank of America and said they wanted to verify certain activity on the debit card.  The caller said they needed the credit card number in order to pull up the account. 

In another case the caller identified himself as being with Visa Services and stated that he wanted to lower the interest rate to 6%.  When the consumer stated that they did not have a Visa card, the caller asked if they had a Master card and requested the credit card number.

“Luckily, in both cases the recipient of the call refused to give their credit card number and hung up on the caller,” said Banking Commissioner Howard F. Pitkin.

“We want to remind Connecticut consumers to NEVER give out your credit card number or personal bank information to an anonymous caller,” advised Commissioner Pitkin.  “If you are asked to do so it is likely a scam, even if they identify themselves as your bank or financial institution.  The only time it is safe is if you initiate the call.  The best thing to do in this case is hang up and call your institution directly, using the number provided on your card.” 

If you would like to report a scam or find out more information, contact the Department of Banking, Consumer Affairs Division, at 1-800-831-7225, or visit our website, at www.ct.gov/dob.