BancorpSouth is warning of a “phishing” scam after fraudulent messages were sent to the bank’s customers.
Automated phone calls seeking banking information have gone out to many BancorpSouth customers, according to a consumer alert from the bank. It has affected other banks as well, the alert states.
The calls and messages often claim the customer’s debit card needs activated and asks the recipient to provide their debit or credit card number, and personal identification number. The recipient may also be directed to call a number or visit a website to provide the private information.
One customer told 5NEWS the scam artist was able to get $1,500 from their account. The calls are reportedly coming from numbers across the nation. It's something Vice President of Marketing Saundra Lockhart says they're reporting to their corporate office.
"We've received this number that this customer called in and said that number came to them from wherever, and they immediately get on it and they go to that number and they cut it off," said Lockhart. "Now they have cut off already, if you can believe this, over 200 of these."
The bank says the calls are not legitimate and encourages customers to not give out any personal or account information.
"This is a phishing scam," said Lockhart. "We are very much aware of what's going on and we want to assure them that is no way would our bank ever do this."
If you receive a message or call that you are suspicious of contact BancorpSouth’s Customer Service Center at (888) 797-7711 or your local BancorpSouth Office.