After gaining the customer data, the hackers reportedly began sending out e-mails to names within the database with a link that forwards them to a "bank-looking website." Once at the bogus site, they are requested to divulge personal information such as bank account numbers and other personal identification numbers.

"You never give out personal information. If you are dealing with a financial institution or a credit card company you need to call them and don't use the Internet to do it. Call and talk with a natural person," Tharp said.

The town marshal, who said he did not want to specify which financial institution was involved in the scheme, advised that if anyone has followed the instruction on a suspicious e-mail they should contact law authorities or the proper business officials.

His best advice to anyone who gets a questionable e-mail from a financial institution is to "use common sense" and don't answer the e-mail.

"Your banks or your financial institutions are not going to contact you through e-mail wanting personal information. They already have the information," he said. "If the bank does have a problem, the bank will contact the customer."

Tharp added, "Most of us bank locally, so (if you are not sure) just go to your bank. Just use common sense because there are all kinds of people out there trying to get your personal information. One little slip up can wreck your credit."