August 1, 2002
District Attorney Nola Tedesco Foulston warned consumers today to be aware that scam artists are calling Sedgwick County residents in an effort to steal valuable financial information. Foulston said the Consumer Fraud and Economic Crime Division of her office has received dozens of reports from area consumer within the past several days complaining about such calls.
In most cases, the caller claims to represent Visa or Master Card. The caller is warning about the need for immediate credit card protection and pressuring consumers to provided credit card, bank account and social security numbers over the telephone, In some cases consumers have been told that someone has already attempted to illegally obtain cash by using their credit card but that the caller's company stopped the crime and reversed the charge to the consumer's account. Several consumers report the caller had a heavy accent.
Consumers are reminded to never provide such financial information unless they know exactly with whom they are dealing, what the information will be used for and why it is needed. When someone calls you asking for financial or personal information, it is best to firmly so no, tell the caller to place your name and number their "do not call list" pursuant to federal law and then hang up you telephone.
Anyone with consumer questions should call the Consumer Fraud and Economic Crime Division of the District Attorney office at 383-7921.
