Anonymous
Update by Montecito Bank & Trust
Fraud Alert: Text Scams 8/9/18
We have received a number of calls today reporting a text scam that is happening locally. As the number of financial scams and cybersecurity threats continue to rise, Montecito Bank & Trust is committed to notifying you of any potential risks.
Scammers are currently sending text messages impersonating banks. These text messages will ask for debit card information (number, expiration and cvv code) in order to unlock a suspended account. DO NOT REPLY TO OR CALL THIS NUMBER! If you are an AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint or Bell subscriber, you can report spam texts to your carrier by copying the original message and forwarding it to the number 7726 (SPAM), free of charge. Additionally, you can visit www.ftc.govto report the phone number and spam message.
Montecito Bank & Trust will never call to ask you to provide information like this, and it is always best to reach out to us directly whenever you are in doubt. If you have any questions or you inadvertently replied to a scam message similar to this, contact our Service Center, M-F, 7am-6pm, at (805) 963-7511.
Visit our website at montecito.bank/cybersecurity to learn more about common scams and what you can do to keep your information safe
Reported by an edhat reader
I just wanted to inform other locals of yet another scam attempt. I received a text today sent to my mobile phone, where the sender was claiming to be from Montecito Bank and Trust, despite having absolutely no personal affiliation with that establishment.
The text received was as follows: “RE: Montecito Bank & Trust. Please call 925-389-0552.” The text was sent by the same number as the one found in the message.
I told them to stick it where the sun don’t shine, blocked the number, and reported it on the FTC website. I’m not one to fall for scams, but figured I would submit a reminder to those that would be more likely to reply, as it does unfortunately happen.
