Fraudulent text, email messages target PNC Bank customers

PNC Bank customers are being warned of a scam that aims to obtain personal or account-related information.

“Some cybercriminals have shifted their approach and are targeting consumers directly through known and trusted channels of communication,” a PNC spokesperson said. “One such scam involves fraudulent outreach via text, email or phone calls. These communications appear to be initiated by PNC, but instead are being sent by a fraudster in hopes of obtaining customers’ personal or account-related information.”

According to Tribune-Review news partners WPXI-TV, some attempts via email or text message say there has been “unauthorized activity” on an account and to call an 888 phone number. A person on the other line asks for personal identifying information including an account number.

“We take these matters very seriously, and continue to take measures to protect the security and privacy of our customers,” the spokesperson said.

If a customer receives an unexpected text message, email or phone call that appears to be from PNC, officials recommend:

• Not clicking on the text or email links
• Not sharing online or mobile banking passwords or usernames by phone, text or email
• Not responding to requests for personal or financial information like full credit card numbers or Social Security numbers
• Forwarding suspicious emails and screen shots of fraudulent text messages to PNC Abuse, abuse@pnc.com

Additionally, if a customer believes they may have responded to a fraudulent text or email and disclosed personal or account-related information, they should change their PNC online and mobile banking username and password and then contact the bank by calling 888-762-2265.