It looks like the typical phishing email, but this one is different. It's not asking you to click on a link, but asks you to call a phone number ASAP because your bank or credit card has been compromised. You make the call and you're relieved that the bank answers. WRONG! You've just gotten stung!

ZDNet.com reports on this at http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-6066171.html.

Cheap Internet phone technology and voice mail services allow scammers to setup up fake voice mail maze systems that sound just like the bank or credit card companies. If you've ever looked at the phishing websites they've created (they look very legit), you won't be surprised that they take this effort to duplicate an automated attendant system. In this scam you're prompted to enter your account code and PIN which will direct you to the appropriate customer service representative. Those tones that you hear when you're punching those buttons are easily translated into numbers by the scammers.

Prevention is easy. Don't call the number in the email message. Look at the back of your credit card or your bank statement and call the phone number listed there. You'll get to the right department and they'll be happy to let you know if there's been any suspicious activity on your accounts.

I recently had my debit card compromised. I received a snail mail letter giving me instructions. I wasn't asked to call a number or send an email, but to take my card to a local bank branch. That's secure as I'm relatively sure that they scammers haven't started building fake bank buildings yet.