Bank scam that began with a text message ends with woman losing life savings: "My whole world fell apart"

In a stark reminder of the growing threat of financial scams, Deborah Moss, owner of a small catering business, found herself ensnared in a sophisticated bank scam that started with a seemingly harmless text message.  

Moss, who had dedicated over a decade to building her business, had finally accumulated enough savings to pursue a peaceful life in rural Guerneville, California. But her dreams began to shatter after she received a text message purporting to be from her bank, Chase, inquiring about an unauthorized $35 debit card charge from another state. Initially dismissing it as a minor inconvenience, Moss promptly replied.  

Shortly after receiving the text, Moss received a call from someone claiming to be a representative from Chase Bank, with the caller ID displaying the bank's name. On the other end of the line was an individual identifying themselves as "Miss Barbara" from Chase ATM. They requested permission from Moss to issue a new debit card to resolve the alleged fraudulent charge.