Attorney General's News Release

December 3, 2007

Scam artists targeting Empire Bank customers in the Ozarks with phone scam, Nixon warns

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon says southwest Missourians are receiving phone calls that appear to be from Empire Bank, but actually are from identity thieves. Consumers say an automated phone call tells them there is a problem with their bank account and tells them to go to a Web site to address the problem. That Web site then asks them to enter their bank account information. In other cases, a live caller asks the person asking for the information directly.

Nixon says the contact is coming from identity thieves, and consumers should not give out their personal data.

“This is a phishing scam - nothing more,” said Nixon. “These crooks may look and sound official, but it’s important to remember never to give out personal information to anyone who’s contacted you.”

Phishing is an attempt by identity thieves to trick consumers into giving out valuable personal information. Nixon says any consumers who get an e-mail or phone call that appears to be from their financial institution should assume it’s a scam. Instead, he says they should call the bank’s legitimate phone number and report the contact.

Missourians should never divulge their personal information to anyone who calls or e-mails them. Consumers can report phishing or other fraud at Nixon’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222 his Web site, ago.mo.gov.

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Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818