The Auburn Police Department is advising anyone who receives an automated phone message claiming to be from the Auburn Community Federal Credit Union not to give out any personal information as the message is part of a nationwide phone scam.

APD is working with members and non-members of the credit union whose personal information was compromised earlier this week through a scam identified as a means to gather information for potential identity theft.

The department discovered the messages are part of a nationwide scam infecting different banks in places as far away as Alaska, and may have an overseas connection.

Numerous people received an automated phone message from a caller who claimed to be from the company. The message asks the customer to call a given phone number and enter three pieces of information: card number, card expiration date and the personal identification number.

Credit union members and even non-members have given their personal information through this scam, APD stated in a written release. Banks will not ask for specific account information through a phone call. The department is directing anyone who is concerned about the status of accounts to call the bank or visit the institution in person.

Anyone who has listened to the message but did not release information does not have to report it to APD as account information has not been compromised. If information was released, first contact the bank or financial institution and report the account was compromised.

If any Auburn resident discovers any financial loss caused by the scam, call APD detectives at 255-4706.

Any residents outside the city can contact either the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office at 253-1222 or the New York State Police at 255-2767.