published: Friday, February 05, 2010

Authorities warn of Wachovia scam

STAFF REPORT

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is warning people to beware of a bank scam.

The scam involves Wahovia Bank customers who being contacted by phone or text message advising that their debit card has been cancelled, limited or compromised.

"The message to the customers even includes a portion of the cardholder's account number so that it appears to be legitimate," said a press release issued by LCSO officials on Monday afternoon.

The press release says customers are being given a telephone number to call so the situation can be rectified.

One of the numbers being provided as part of the scam is (352) 343-1700, which is the main number for Lake County government offices.

"Lake County sheriff's fraud detectives want to warn everyone of this scam and remind them to never release personal information unless they are confident that the person to whom it is being released has a legitimate need for such," the press release says. "Wachovia Bank has been contacted and representatives there say this is definitely a scam."