We have a warning for you about a banking scam that's making the rounds on the phone and through e-mail.

It claims your bank account has expired and asks for your personal information to restore it.

This latest scam targets about 80,000 people in the Chattanooga metro area who are members of the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union.

Bob Townsend, a member of Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, said "I knew it was a scam."

Townsend got the call Thursday evening from what appears to be an area code 913 number.

The automated female voice says "Hello, this is an official notification from the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, informing you that your payments and transfer services have expired."

"TCFCU would not be calling me at 7:13, I have no automatic bill pay, my transfer priveleges aren't going to be suspended," Townsend said.

The automated female voice goes on to say you should call an 800-number and your next step involves punching in your sensitive personal and financial information to supposedly "restore" your account.

It's the same scam that many of you have gotten by e-mail, where you're supposed to click a link and give your information.

Blake Strickland, President and CEO of Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, said "no financial institution or legitimate business for that matter will ever contact a consumer, or in our case a member, asking for that information."

Strickland said that so far about a half-dozen people have fallen for the scam and have given out their account information.

"If any of our members should fall victim to this scam and provide personal information we would just ask that they contact us immediately, we'll take protective measures to close down the account," according to TVFCU Vice President of Marketing John Merritt.

Merritt added he didn't know of anyone who lost money.

If you call back the "913" number a recording says your call can not be completed.

The credit union's technology experts say the scammers are using equipment to randomly dial local numbers and randomly send e-mails, and that no information has been leaked from the credit union.

Lynn Smith, Vice President of Information Technology, said "we have traced this out to the midwest through some top-tier communications providers and down about three levels into a local area. We have a good idea where it's coming from."

The credit union is working with Chattanooga Police and the F.B.I. to catch the scammers.

"I'm hoping that they get caught quick and nobody loses their life savings," Townsend said.

Again, no legitimate bank, credit card company or financial institution will ever e-mail or call you to get personal or account information. Because if you do business with them they already have it.

If you think you may be getting a real call from a legitimate financial institution, always call that business back using the number printed on your statement or in a phone book. Never use a number the person contacting you gives.