The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has issued a community alert following reports of fraudsters impersonating banks and financial institutions to steal sensitive account information.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the latest scheme involves thieves contacting residents via text or phone call, claiming that a bank account is set to be “deactivated” for a fabricated reason. To resolve the issue, the scammers instruct the victim to text back a password or the specific word “cancel.”
Authorities stress that this is a trap designed to harvest login credentials.
“Never give your password to anyone,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in the release.
Officials warn that these tactics are not limited to bank impersonation. Fraudsters frequently pose as law enforcement, government agencies, utility companies, or even credit card providers. The goal is often to create a sense of urgency that forces the victim to act without thinking.
The Sheriff’s Office highlighted several specific “red flags” that indicate a communication is fraudulent:
- Requests for Passwords: No legitimate institution will ask for your password via text or call.
- Alternative Payments: Any request for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, is a sure sign of a scam.
- Emergency Family Texts: Scammers may pose as a distressed relative needing immediate funds.
Residents are advised to ignore the instructions in these messages. If you receive a text or call concerning your bank account, hang up and contact the financial institution directly using a verified phone number from the back of your debit card or their official website.
Similarly, if you receive a distress message from a family member, attempt to contact that person or other relatives to verify their location before sending money.
The MCSO encourages anyone who receives these fraudulent messages to save the text or email and report the incident. You can contact the Sheriff’s Office directly through their website at www.keysso.net/locations.
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