In the digital age, scams are becoming more sophisticated, and one of the latest threats to consumers is a dangerous call forwarding scam targeting banking customers. As we move through 2025, it’s crucial that we remain alert and protect ourselves from such fraudulent schemes, which prey on unsuspecting individuals.
A recent article from the Minden Press-Herald highlighted a rise in scams where criminals impersonate financial institutions and trick customers into forwarding their phone calls to a scammer. The scam begins innocuously enough with a call from someone claiming to be from a bank, warning the victim of an urgent issue with their account. The scammer then instructs the victim to dial a special code, such as *72 or *401, followed by a phone number. But here’s the trick—the scammer is asking the victim to activate call forwarding, which redirects all incoming calls to the scammer’s phone. From there, the scammer intercepts sensitive information, including usernames, passwords, and account verification codes, all while posing as the account holder.
This scam is especially dangerous because it takes advantage of the victim’s trust, making it appear that they are taking action to secure their account when in fact, they are handing over control to a criminal. And unfortunately, this type of scam is becoming more common, with many consumers unaware of the risks they face.
So, what can you do to protect yourself? It starts with being aware of the signs of a scam and practicing caution in your daily interactions. Here are a few simple, yet crucial steps you can take to protect your personal and financial information:
Never enter special codes such as *72 or *401 when prompted by an unsolicited call. No legitimate company will ever ask you to forward calls in this way.
Do not share personal account information over the phone with anyone who contacts you unsolicited. Your bank already has your account details and will never ask for this information out of the blue.
Be cautious of unsolicited calls or texts that appear to be from your bank, especially those requesting immediate action or code entry. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to manipulate you into acting before you have time to think.
Don’t rely solely on Caller ID. Caller ID can easily be spoofed by scammers to look like a legitimate number. Always verify before taking any action.
Monitor your accounts regularly for suspicious activity. Set up account alerts if possible, so you can spot any unauthorized transactions as soon as they occur.
If something doesn’t feel right, hang up immediately and verify the situation by calling your bank directly using a trusted number, such as the one on the back of your card or on their official website.
As we navigate these times of uncertainty, it’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant. Scammers are always evolving their tactics, but by staying cautious and questioning unsolicited requests, we can protect ourselves and our families. Your personal and financial safety is in your hands, and by following these simple precautions, you can reduce the chances of falling victim to fraud.
Let’s be vigilant and stay informed. Together, we can outsmart these criminals and protect what matters most.
David Specht is president of Specht Newspapers, Inc., Publisher of the Minden Press-Herald, Bossier Press-Tribune, and BIZ Magazine.