Do not call 1-888-283-2253. The number is being used by cybercriminals in an attempt to steal their potential victims’ personal, account and financial information. The cyber criminals do this by sending out phishing text messages like the ones below claiming the recipients' cards have been temporarily locked. The phishing message then asks the recipients to call the same number in order to unlock their cards.
A Sample of the Phishing Text (SMS) Message
From: 18882832253
MSG: Your card has been temporarily locked. In order to unlock please call security staff at 1-888-283-2253
If the recipients call the number, they will get an automated message asking them to input all of their personal information, including their social security numbers, bank account numbers and other information the cyber criminals need in order to gain access to their potential victims’ accounts, steal their money and use their accounts fraudulently.
Recipients of the phishing text or SMS message, who have called 1-888-283-2253 and submitted to their information, are asked to contact their bank for help and report it to the police.