A tech-savvy millennial from Los Angeles is speaking out after falling victim to an elaborate banking scam targeting Wells Fargo customers.
Katie Callaway, a 31-year-old who works in the tech industry, received a text message followed by a phone call, both appearing to be from Wells Fargo’s legitimate customer service line.
The caller, posing as a Wells Fargo representative, informed Callaway about fraudulent charges on her account and requested her to verify her identity by responding to a text message.
Believing it to be a standard procedure, Callaway responded to the text message, unknowingly initiating a wire transfer of over $4,200 from her checking account.
Unfortunately, online wire transfers also incurred fees, further depleting her account.
When Callaway reached out to Wells Fargo for assistance, she was informed that she would be held responsible for the unauthorized wire transfer, and the bank closed her claim without reimbursement.
Frustrated by the bank’s response, Callaway filed a police report with the Los Angeles Police Department.
She expressed her concerns about how easily Wells Fargo’s information could be spoofed, emphasizing the need for better security measures.
While she may not recover her lost funds, Callaway hopes that sharing her story will help others avoid similar scams.
FOX 11 Los Angeles reached out to Wells Fargo for a statement, and the bank assured that they are reviewing Callaway’s case.
They plan to issue a statement regarding the incident.
Customers eagerly await Wells Fargo’s response as they hope for improved security measures to prevent such scams in the future.
