Prolific phishing scam hits SLV

Residents of the San Lorenzo Valley have been hounded with automated phone calls posing as Liberty Bank asking for credit card information and PIN numbers.
The automated phone scam started on the East Coast last week and hit the valley on Friday, Oct. 2. The calls continued all weekend and into Monday.
“They are blanketing the whole San Lorenzo Valley with calls. Unfortunately, the calls just keep coming,” said Liberty Bank Vice President Jill Hitchman. “And it’s still going strong. People are getting calls every few hours.”
Hitchman said that Liberty Bank customer information has not been compromised and both customers and non-customers are being targeted.
Liberty Bank has branches in Felton and Boulder Creek.
Bank of America, Citibank and Credit Union are experiencing similar scams, Hitchman said.
The automated calls are telling residents that their cards have been suspended because of potential third party access.
According to Hitchman, a typical call states: “Hello, this is a message from Liberty Bank. Your card has been suspended because we believe it was accessed by a third party. Please press one now to be transferred to our security department.”
The automated voice then proceeds to ask card number and PIN.
“Do not press any buttons,” Hitchman warned.
Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office initially handled the investigation and the case has been turned over to the FBI, Hitchman said.
“We’ve been trying to get the word out through media outlets and our Website,” Hitchman said. “In a small town, word travels fast so were hoping more and more people are getting warned.”
Hitchman said that some customers have given out their information to the scammers.
“There will be some losses,” Hitchman said. “Charges started showing up almost immediately after our customers gave away their card numbers.”
Gregg Schlaman of Boulder Creek said he was harassed five times on Sunday, each time from a different listing on his Caller ID.
“What’s interesting is that they are targeting the valley.” Schlaman said. “It’s really weird.”
Schlaman, who is not a Liberty Bank customer, said he reported the incident to the Federal Communications Commission and urges other Valley residents to do the same. Schlaman said he was concerned for the many elderly residents of the Valley.
“I know at least 12 or 13 people who have been called repeatedly,” he said. “It would be a shame for anyone to lose their life savings.”
For information: Jill Hitchman, [email protected].