Bank of Edmonson County Warns Of Attempted Local Scam

Darren Doyle, story:
The Bank of Edmonson County has reported that an attempted scam occurred this morning, according to a bank customer.

Bank CEO Michelle Coleman said she received a call earlier today from a current Bank of Edmonson County customer who said they received a phone call from the number 270-597-3567.

The customer reportedly said the caller said her name was "Veronica with the Bank of Edmonson County" and asked the customer to verify her account information.

Feeling the call was suspicious, the customer refrained from giving any personal information and contacted the bank.

"The fraudulent caller used what is known as 'Caller ID spoofing,' said Coleman. "They were able to disguise their own number as a local number."

Coleman said Bank of Edmonson County, as most other similar businesses, will not contact customers directly for this kind of information.

"We will never contact customers and ask for account information, as we already have that."

Sheriff Shane Doyle says this type of fraud is becoming more frequent everyday.

"The amount of fraud that's happening worldwide is astounding. From people playing on our elderly and people's sympathy to robocalls and caller ID spoofing, it can be confusing to know what's accurate and what's a scam; however, if something seems off or suspicious, it probably is," he said.

There are mobile apps now available that can help with the identification of spoof or robocalls.  One popular app is called "Hiya," which can flag potential fraudulent calls and telemarketers. 

Coleman said one can always call one of the branch locations and ask for help.

"You can always hang up and just call us right back," she said. "By calling one of our branches, you know you're speaking with one of us."