CHARLESTON — Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is warning West Virginia businesses of a new credit card scam aiming to steal businesses information.

In a press release, the AG's office says it has been made aware of a scam where businesses receive calls from a person claiming to work for a bank or a company that handles the establishment’s credit and debit card transactions. The scammer informs the business owner or employee that their credit card terminal is outdated or not functioning properly.

Next, the caller asks for the business’ account information and a canceled check to update the credit card terminal. Using that information, a scammer has access to the business’s financial data.

“Unfortunately, it seems like scammers target innocent people on a daily basis,” Morrisey said in the release. “This goes to show that the scammers will not stop at just targeting consumers, but they will try to steal from anyone, including businesses.”

Business owners and consumers should always be wary when receiving calls that ask for private financial information over the phone. Businesses should always verify the legitimacy of a call regarding credit card processing equipment with the company that provides the equipment.

“If you receive a call from someone asking for credit or debit card information, that should immediately send a red flag,” Morrisey said. “Our office always encourages people to remain cautious, do your homework, and take down information before providing anyone with financial data over the phone.”

Morrisey's office asks business owners who think they may have been the victim of this particular scam or any other type of scam to call its Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-368-8808 or file a complaint online at www.ago.wv.gov.