News Flash

Dubuque Police and local financial institutions are warning residents of 2 scams that have surfaced recently in and around the Dubuque area.

Numerous citizens have reported receiving calls indicating their debit/ATM card has been deactivated for security reasons, and then are prompted to provide account numbers and information. Some of the calls appear to originate from a company/agency called “National Debit” at a number of 909-204-7750, but citizens are reminded that incoming/originating numbers on caller ID or text message can be fabricated to appear as though the call/text is from a legitimate source, and/or to hide the actual number from which the call/text is originating.

The second scam involves residents being called by someone claiming to be affiliated with Medicare/Medicaid. The caller typically asks for information such as Social Security number, credit card number, bank account number, etc. in order to update information or provide free services such as medic alert alarms, medical devices/equipment, and other products that assist the elderly and infirm and are paid for by Medicare and Medicaid.

Regardless of the nature of the scam, preventative measures remain the same: always take time to verify the source and never provide money, account information and/or personal information to anyone unless you are absolutely positive the request is legitimate, and especially if the call/email/text/etc. was unsolicited and not initiated by you. Contact your financial institution and/or local law enforcement if you believe you are being scammed or would like assistance in verifying the authenticity of the inquiry.