Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - The FBI is warning people about a new phone scam. They say the criminals behind it purposely tie up your phone line to get you confused while they raid your bank account.
Weeks before the scammers actually hit your bank account, they get your personal information either through a "phishing" email or by phone, when they call you pretending to be a representative from your bank.
Once they have the account information, they use software to tie up your telephone line.
Then, they contact your bank pretending to be you and either withdraw or transfer money or add themselves to your account.
When or if, the bank calls to confirm the change with you, they normally can't get through because scammers have your telephone line jammed. If the transaction is not made, the criminals will sometimes re-contact the bank as the victim and ask again for it to be done.
The best way to protect yourself from this scam, is to never give out your personal information in an email or telephone call unless you are absolutely sure it's legitimate. If you get a call you aren't sure about, hang up and call your bank back directly to confirm.
