If you get an urgent telephone message about your credit card account, you should be concerned, but not necessarily about your card.

South Dakota Attorney General Larry Long cautioned consumers today about a new phone scam that involves telemarketers leaving urgent telephone messages with a warning that states it is imperative to call back in regards to a credit card account. When the consumer returns the call, the telemarketer implies that they represent the consumer's credit card company and promises a great deal on consolidation of the consumer's debts with a lower interest rate.

This is just another attempt to gain personal identifying information and in no way is the caller associated with the consumer's credit card company. This is only an attempt to enroll consumers into another service and harvest personal information, according to a news release from the attorney general's office.

"Identity thieves are always looking for a new way to disguise an old scheme," Long said. "Consumers just need to continue to be skeptical of any unsolicited phone calls. If in doubt, hang up and call your credit card company directly to check the status of your account."

If you feel you have been a victim of this scam or would like additional information, contact the Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or consumerhelp@state.sd.us.