Vishing scammers set up phone numbers through Internet-telephone services, then lure victims to disclose account numbers and other personal information over the phone with automated voice prompts. The operation moves so quickly that con artists can steal sensitive information and shut down phony telephone numbers in a matter of days.

The Voice Behind the Curtain

Vishing is initiated by an e-mail that may appear to be from your financial institution or an online merchant. The message may claim that your account has been disabled due to unauthorized access, or that your information needs to be verified to continue using the account or to prevent fraudulent activity.

Rather than linking to a look-alike Web site made for gathering information, as phishing scams do, vishing scams provide a phone number to call. These phone numbers can be set up with local area codes and designed with voice prompts that sound perfectly legitimate. Since consumers are already accustomed to entering account numbers before speaking with a representative, it's easy to enter the numbers before thinking twice.

Safety Tips

• Protect yourself from these scams by not responding to requests for your personal information.

• Don't call phone numbers listed in "phishy" e-mails. You can trust that when you call our main number, 717-846-1970, you can safely access your account information.

• Bookmark our website, so you'll always be sure you're on the correct site.

The Federal Trade Commission recommends never turning over private information based on an e-mail request. Know that PeoplesBank will never ask for your personal information via e-mail.

Contact us if you suspect you've been scammed. You can also file a complaint on the Federal Trade Commission's Web site, www.ftc.gov, or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.