Carterville Police warn residents about banking scam

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CARTERVILLE, Ill., (KBSI) — The Carterville Police Department is warning residents about a phone scam targeting people across Southern Illinois.

According to police, scammers are calling individuals and claiming to represent their bank. The callers tell victims there has been fraudulent activity on their account and that an investigation must begin immediately.

Victims are then instructed to log in to their online banking account and click a link sent by the caller.

Police said residents should not click the link, as it may allow scammers to gain access to personal information, mobile devices and bank accounts.

Authorities reminded residents that legitimate banks will not ask for online banking usernames or passwords over the phone and will not request that customers click links to access accounts during a phone call. Officials also noted that caller ID information can be spoofed to appear as though a call is coming from a trusted source.

Anyone who receives a similar call is encouraged to hang up immediately, avoid clicking any links sent by text or email and contact their financial institution directly using a verified phone number.

Residents who believe they may have provided information to a scammer or noticed suspicious activity on their accounts should contact their bank and report the incident to local law enforcement.