CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is warning people about scammers taking advantage of consumer confusion over new credit cards embedded with computer chips. Banks and major credit card issuers have been sending consumers the new, more secure cards.

Madigan said Wednesday scammers may target consumers who have not yet received the new chip cards by contacting them by phone or email claiming to represent banks and lenders.

The scammers tell consumers they must confirm or update their accounts by providing personal information before they can receive a new chip card. Scammers then can steal consumers’ identities, monitor their online activity or install malware on electronic devices.

Madigan suggests hanging up the phone or deleting suspicious email. Consumers also can report incidents to Madigan’s consumer fraud bureau.

 

 

 

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