Text Scam On The Rise Targets Prince George's County Residents' Bank Accounts

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Residents are being warned about a bank text scam that's targeting more and more people. In fact, just last week, three reports of this scam lost the victims a combined $95,000.

The scam starts out with a text message sent from what appears to be the person's bank. The text indicates there’s been potential fraud involving the victim’s account and urges the victim to call the bank with a provided phone number. When the victim calls that number, they speak to a person who usually has additional information specific to the victim’s bank account that includes a list of recent transactions. Once the victim believes the phone call is authentic, the victim is asked to secure their money by withdrawing it and depositing the money into a crypto ATM or traditional ATM or by purchasing gift cards. The scammer then steals the deposited money or the numbers on the back of the gift cards, the Prince George's Police Department reported.

Investigators are working to determine how the scammers are choosing their victims and how the criminals are accessing the victim’s sensitive banking information. The police department's financial crimes unit encourages all residents who receive a text or who speak to an person asking them to move their money to immediately hang up. Residents are recommended to call your bank directly with the phone number that’s listed on the back of your bank card or go to the bank in person.

Anyone who believes they have been victimized by a scammer or has information about a scam is asked to call the PGPD Financial Crimes Unit at 301-516-1464.