Town of Canandaigua officials are warning residents about a scam in which callers pose as bank representatives and pressure victims to transfer money out of their accounts.
The alert comes after residents reported receiving calls from individuals claiming there was fraud on their bank accounts or that their money was no longer safe.
According to the town, scammers are instructing people to “move your money” immediately into other accounts supposedly to protect their funds. Officials said the calls can appear legitimate and may even display a bank’s name on caller ID.
Town officials emphasized that banks will never instruct customers to transfer money to another account to keep it secure.
Authorities said common warning signs include callers creating a sense of urgency, requesting transfers through wire payments, Zelle, cryptocurrency, or cash withdrawals, and asking for banking passwords, security codes, or personal financial information.
Residents who receive suspicious calls are being advised to hang up immediately and contact their bank directly using the number listed on their debit or credit card.
Officials also encouraged residents to warn family members and others who may be especially vulnerable to financial scams.
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