Warning: Scam uses credit agency's name

TULSA - Over the past few days, TransUnion says it's received numerous calls from consumers regarding new fraud and identity theft scams.

One such scam involves consumers receiving SMS text messages and voicemails stating that their credit card has been deactivated and then they are asked to call a number.

When the consumers call this number, a recorded message asks the caller for their 16-digit card number and for more personal information.

In most all instances these are notifications from fraudsters trying to get information to access your account.

It is critical for consumers to remember, never disclose personal information over the phone or Internet unless it is to a trusted source and/or they initiated the call or transaction.

Consumers should be sure to always safeguard their identity.

If consumers receive a notification of this nature, they should report it to their local bank or credit card provider by calling the phone number on the back of their credit card or statement or go into a local bank’s branch office.

Consumers should never provide personal information, credit card or ATM numbers over the phone/Internet unless they initiated the call or transaction.

To help guard against identity theft and detect it, consumers should consider the following:

1.) The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act entitles consumers to a free credit report once a year from each national credit reporting company and consumers should check their credit report to ensure there are no accounts on the report that they are not aware of. If they find any, they can immediately open an online dispute at TransUnion.com to address the issue.

2.) Sign up for a credit monitoring product.

TransUnion has a detailed list of tips consumers can review to guard against and help detect ID theft at:

http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft.page

www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft.page