Scam targets HSBC accounts set to close

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Banking customers thought something was fishy when they got a text purportedly from HSBC - and they were right.

This Friday, most HSBC bank accounts will be transferred to First Niagara or Key Bank. But that's not all. HSBC mortgages are being taken over by a mortgage servicing company and HSBC credit cards are being sold off, too.

So when Kim Root got a text message about her HSBC account, it almost seemed legit.

Root recalled, "I called the number, and it said that my ATM card had been de-activated."

But Root, a News 4 employee, does not have an ATM card. She has a debit card and she hung up. She then called HSBC using a reliable customer service phone number and got the low down: it was a scam.

"After listening to the message I thought, 'Eh, I'm not even going to bother with this. I'm going to go make the phone call myself,'" Root said.

She made all the right moves based on tips from HSBC. She was instantly suspicious of the text message, and before she gave out any personal information, she called the bank using a number she knew was legitimate.

The Better Business Bureau calls these kinds of SPAM text messages phishing. Peggy Penders told News 4 the rule of thumb is unless you know who you are talking to, never give out your personal information over the phone.

"The real concern is when the information comes to you, unsolicited. That's when you need to raise a red flag. 'Why did I get this? It doesn't make any sense.' Make your own phone call," she said.

HSBC has this webpage with tips for protecting yourself from internet fraud and texting ripoffs.

For a listing of which banks are taking over the HSBC branches this Friday, follow this link .