Those Texts, E-Mails, & Letters...

 

About two weeks ago we received a direct phone message "from Bank Independent" stating our debit card had been compromised. Since this was news to us, we called the bank directly. It took a while, since the bank uses an outside company to process debit payments, but after several phone calls, we were happy to know our plastic was perfectly safe.

A few days ago, one of our regular readers reported receiving an e-mail "from Regions" stating something similar about their credit card. Another scam.

Now this week, readers and one of our bloggers have received a letter "from Walgreens" referencing prescriptions and ostensibly using actual script numbers. Still another scam.

Perhaps we ought to add the infamous Florence Utilities debacle from a few years ago. A great deal of taxpayer money was lost on that electronic hostage game.

How do you know if the text, e-mail, or letter you receive is a hoax? Unless there's a reference to a Nigerian prince, you may not be able to tell from the document itself. We understand AI is now producing ransom scams using duplicate voices of the marks' loved ones. 

We urge everyone to take a deep breath and call the company alleged to have sent the communication. If you've received scam mail from other entities, send us the information and we'll add it to this list. Good luck!

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This is Rush. He's a Fox Hound mix, so we're suggesting you rename him something a little more snooty. You can visit with Rush at the Florence shelter on Roberson Road: