We're getting used to hearing about scams involving citizens and either their credit cards or their bank accounts.

But a new nationwide scam...which has moved into our area...involves several forms of technology.

You may have received a text message on your cell phone...claiming to be from a local bank...and asking for information on your credit card.

That information would include both your credit card and your PIN number.

The alleged scammers use that information to create their own debit card, which they then use in ATM machines.

Authorities say the callers actually use the names of local banks and legitimate phone numbers.

"They have a system where they look like they're calling from another number," says Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks. "They're doing it by e-mail, by text, and by phone."

Sheriff Mincks says this system has been used successfully in Los Angeles, where $200 was obtained from an ATM machine.

People contacting their intended victims usually obtain the information by telling them their credit card has expried.

Sheriff Mincks says the way to deal with the caller or texter is very simple.

Ignore the message, or the caller...and he says everyone who has contacted him about this scam has done just that.