Alpha Community Bank in Minonk is reporting numerous incidents of con artists using the telephone to  conduct a credit card scam on local residents.  The callers claim to be employees of credit card security and fraud departments and are calling local residents in an attempt to steal confidential credit card information.

A consumer is told his/her credit card account has been flagged because someone has tried to make a fraudulent purchase.  The thief sounds professional, giving fake names, confirmation numbers and event the credit card company's correct customer service telephone number.

During the call, the consumer is asked to give confidential account information to confirm he/she is in possession of the card.  Armed with this information, the crooks make fraudulent purchases, leaving consumers to deal with the mess. 

Credit card companies do not normally request a customer's account information because they already have it.  If you receive such a call, don't give your  account information.  Instead, report the call to your credit card company's customer service line.