Santa Monica Police Detectives are conducting a fraud investigation involving the use of a cell phone.  Apparently, the victim received a text message on their cell phone stating that there was unusual activity on the victim’s debit card account and to call the number left on the text message for verification.  When the victim returned the call, the automated voice message asked the caller/victim to input the account number and PIN number for the debit card.  At a later date, the victim discovers that an unknown person has made an unauthorized withdrawal from the account.

The Santa Monica Police Department encourages anyone receiving this type of text message on a cell phone number or an e-mail not to give confidential banking information, such as a PIN number, to anyone.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8491 or Detective Maury Sumlin at 310-458-8437.  Callers who wish to provide anonymous information may also call the We-Tip national hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).   Callers with information that leads to an arrest and conviction become eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.