Debit Card Scammer Phone Calls Resurfacing

SIOUX FALLS, SD -  
Scammers are once again hitting the phones across KELOLAND.

KELOLAND News first told you about a Wells Fargo Phishing Scam last month. Thieves are trying to steal your personal and financial information.

The calls resurfaced this week.

Nettie Sawatzky is quickly becoming experienced when it comes to phishing. The first call came in July.

“Yes they did it again and it angered me the send time,” Sawatzky said.

That was just this week. Sawatzky says each time a recording had the same message.

“This is Wells Fargo calling,” Sawatzky said. “Just wanted to let you know that your debit card has been locked.”

“Sawatzky was at work when she received both calls,” Sawatzky said. “Neither came to her office phone. Both came to the cell phone.”

“The first number was a 701 area code,” Sawatzky said. “Yesterday was a 214. I had a friend who said they had one yesterday and it was a 213 area code.”


“Sometimes it's by email,” Jim David of the Better Business Bureau said. “Sometimes it's by text and this time it's by phone.”

David says the reason why the scammers are still phishing clients is simple: They're being successful.

“If you do give your Social Security number to this or anyone else, make sure to contact the credit bureau to put a flag on it,” David said.

And David says the best advice is to always contact your bank before giving out any information. That's exactly what Sawatzky did even though she doesn't even have a Wells Fargo Account.

“I don't know what else I can possibly do except let everyone know about it so it doesn't happen to them and they are not taken advantage of and give out their information,” Sawatzky said.

Because the scammers will continue as long as they're getting a response.

It isn't just Wells Fargo's name being used in the scam. David Says the best thing to do is hang up.

If you do feel there might be a real problem with your account, the best way to contact your bank is by the number printed on your bank statement