Phone scam targeting Hispanics
February 10, 2009 · 2:05 PM
The Washington Attorney General’s Office is alerting residents about a phone scam in which Spanish-speaking callers claim to be representatives of an insurance company.
Hispanic residents from Seattle to Yakima have reported receiving phone calls from Spanish-speaking callers who claim to be from “the insurance company.” The female callers ask for bank account information they claim is needed to process insurance payments. The callers have left messages if owners aren’t home, along with phone numbers that start with 800 and 752 area codes.
At least two individuals provided their bank information to their cons, according to a Woodinville-based insurance company that reported the fraud to the Attorney General’s Office.
As a reminder, never provide your bank account, Social Security number or other personal information to someone who asks for it by phone, e-mail or text message.
If you believe a call might be legitimate, ask for the caller’s name and contact details then end the conversation. Call the business directly using the number on your insurance card, statement or in the phone book.
If you believe you may have provided information in response to a fraudulent phone call, report the information immediately to your bank and place a fraud alert on your credit report.
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