Robocalls targeting debit cards were received across the UP

Thousands of Upper Peninsula residents were targeted in a phone scam Wednesday afternoon.

Cell phones with 906 area codes began receiving this robocall around 3 p.m. Wednesday: "Hello this is a message from Range Bank. We regret to inform you that your debit card is locked. To reactivate it please press one now and you will be transferred to our security department."

Callers that pressed one were then prompted to enter their card number, expiration date and security code.

Though the message said it's coming from Range Bank, Range Bank employees said the organization had nothing to do with the call.

"We will never call them and ask them to input their personal information into a telephone or via email," Range Bank Executive Vice President Roxanne Daust said.

This scam targeted anyone with a 906 area code, not just Range Bank customers.

If you gave out any card or personal information, contact your bank immediately.

"That can happen, but you can't feel ashamed about it," said Glenn Johnson, Range Bank vice president, compliance and security officer. "Call your bank right away and let them know and then there's things that the bank can do to protect them, like close out that debit card number and then reissue a new one."

The Federal Trade Commission suggests if you get a robocall you should hang up the phone.

Don't press one to speak to a live operator and don't press any other number to get your number off the list.

They say if you respond by pressing any number, it will probably just lead to more robocalls.

Also, consider contacting your phone provider and ask them to block the number and whether they charge for the service.

Telemarketers have the technology to change Caller ID information easily and often, so it might not be worth paying a fee to block a number that will change.

To report your experience to the Federal Trade Commission

or call 1-888-382-1222.

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