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Business - Scam Alert

Sunday, Jun. 14, 2009

Scam Alert: Protect your debit card info

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THE SCAM: Text request

HOW IT WORKS: Just to show that no one is safe from con artists, the Modesto Police Department reported last week that one of its employees was the target of a text scam. A text message was received by the prospective victim indicating that a "debit card has been deactivated." The text message directed the victim to a phone number (1-888- 372-7603) where a digitized, rather official sounding voice asked for the 16-digit debit card number, the expiration date and the PIN code.

WHAT'S AT STAKE: Your personal financial information, access to your accounts and credit cards.

HOW TO BEAT IT: Remember, never give out personal identification or financial information to unknown sources. In most cases, businesses and government agencies already have the information. So when this phony text message arrives, just hit delete.

For a look at past scams, go to www.modbee.com/business/scam.