BBB Connecticut issues alert to Commonwealth Credit Union customers

Released on: August 21, 2008, 8:48 am

Press Release Author: Howard Schwartz-Director of Communications, BBB CT

Industry: Consumer Services

Press Release Summary: Kentucky-based vishing" scam appears in Connecticut

Press Release Body: Wallingford, CT - August 21, 2008- Connecticut Better Business
Bureau has learned of a scam targeting customers of the Commonwealth Credit Union.

CT BBB reports the scam has made its way from Kentucky to Connecticut.

Commonwealth CU has been the target of an extensive "voice-fishing" scam. A
recorded message tells clients their credit cards have been suspended, asks them to
call a toll-free telephone number, and once they do, they are asked for their credit
card numbers to "reactivate" their accounts.

Both members and non-members of Commonwealth CU have received these calls on their
cell, work and home phones. One such call was received at 10:00 p.m., this past
week by a Connecticut resident.

Connecticut BBB President, Paulette Hotton says this is an early warning for
Connecticut residents.

"Once again we are cautioning people about giving out personal information over the
telephone, regardless of who asks for it. This may not be the last we see of this
kind of deception."

Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway cautions against responding to the message.
Commonwealth Credit Union confirms it never makes calls asking for personal
information.

On its website, Commonwealth acknowledges the voice phishing scam, and says
thousands of people in Kentucky alone have been targets of these attacks. Among the
toll-free numbers victims are asked to call is one based in Columbia, CT.


Web Site: http://www.bbb.org

Contact Details: Connecticut Better Business Bureau
94 South Turnpike Rd
Wallingford, CT 06492
203-269-2700 ext 103

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