NORTH COAST, Calif. – Authorities are alerting the community to a new identity theft scam hitting the region.
Capt. Greg Van Patten of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office said that on Tuesday afternoon the agency learned that the new scam had begun to be perpetrated in Mendocino County.
Beginning a few days ago there has been an automated recording – unlisted or 001 listed in caller ID – that people in the community have been receiving from the "Savings Bank of Mendocino County" indicating the person's MasterCard has been blocked, Van Patten said.
The person is prompted to provide personal identifying information, such as card PIN number and social security number, to get the card reactivated, he said.
This week, Lake County residents also began reporting on social media that they have received similar calls claiming to be from Savings Bank and other financial institutions.
Savings Bank of Mendocino County has subsequently issued a statement urging customers to beware of fraudulent automated phone calls.
If you receive an automated phone call that conveys it is from Savings Bank, it is fraudulent. Do not provide requested information. The bank does not make automated phone calls and will not call customers to activate their debit cards or to ask for account or card information.
The bank will call customers if there is unusual activity and it is suspected to be fraud. In this case, the calls are made in person, not automated."
Anyone who receives any suspicious call of a similar nature should always consult with their financial institution or local law enforcement agency prior to engaging in the requested activity.
Anyone with information that might help to identity the person(s) responsible for this Identity Theft scam is urged to call the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office tip-line at 707-234-2100.