Scam Alert: Fake AT&T Reps Making Local Calls

TYLER — The Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas has received reports of a phone scam by a person or persons posing as an AT&T representative, asking for credit or debit card numbers for an immediate payment. In one instance, the scammer claimed to be calling for an outstanding balance for internet advertising. According to BBB officials, whereas phishing scams are generally associated with e-mail messages, vishing uses voice communications to do the same thing — to trick victims into divulging personal information by masquerading as a trusted source.

Officials say some “vishers” use automated dialing programs to cold call victims. The caller ID device may list a legitimate-looking local phone number, to inspire trust from the recipient. A prerecorded message or a live “employee” claims the victim’s account has been compromised or needs updating or verification. “Unfortunately, impostor scams are very common, with scammers impersonating officials from the IRS to trusted charitable organizations,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, president and CEO of the BBB Serving Central East Texas. “They make a living by claiming to be affiliated with organizations people know and trust.”

BBB offers consumers the following tips to protect against these types of scams:
• Be wary of e-mails, text messages or phone calls that request personal information.
• Don’t give your personal information to anyone who contacts you. Give those details only when you initiate the contact.
• If you receive a vishing phone call, simply hang up. If you think the call is legitimate, call back using the business’ published number.
If you or someone you know is a victim of a phishing or vishing scam, please call the BBB Hotline: (903) 581-8373.