Scammers 'phish' for cash

Attorney General Terry Goddard has warned consumers about a "phishing" scam purported to be from a Glendale-based financial institution.

Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile customers have received text messages stating that their Credit Union West account has been suspended because of unusual activity.

Credit Union West does not ask for confidential information through text message or e-mail, according to Goddard.

The text messages sent by the scammers provide a phone number for the customers to call to get their account back in good standing. Cox Communication customers also have received voice mails with similar messages.

If you have received one of these text messages, voice mails or e-mails, do not respond or call the number provided, Goddard said. Instead, notify the credit union and delete the message.

Goddard offered the following tips to avoid becoming a victim of phishing scams:

• Be wary of text messages or phone calls that request personal information. If you do not know who is making the request, delete the message or hang up.

• Do not give out personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account numbers or credit card numbers, to anyone you do not know.

• If you receive a call asking for personal information, hang up and call your financial institution to verify that the request is valid.

• Report any suspicious calls to the Attorney General’s Office at 602-542-5763