<p>Got a robo-call late last night asking me to verify that I didn’t want our ATM card to be stopped. It asked me to punch in my 16-digit account number. I didn’t even know what account it was referring to, so I called the toll-free number for the last account I opened and they told me it was indeed a scam. They said they would NEVER do a robo-call and checked out the phone number I was called from and verified it was a known bad #. They promised to follow up. Sheesh!</p>
<p>I don’t even use our ATM card but wanted to be sure something wasn’t happening to cut off our kids access to their money. Didn’t have any idea how they got my cell phone #, unless it was randomly generated. I generally don’t give it out, but have been putting it on some on-line hotel reservations. Oh well, live & learn.</p>
<p>I sometimes wonder when the “bank fraud department” calls whether it really is the bank fraud department. Of course, by then I’ve let all the beans spill. Lucky for me it’s always been the real bank fraud department. </p>
<p>I asked them how I can be sure that any such calls are really coming from the bank. They said that when I receive a call, I should feel free to call the phone number on the back of the card and get the call routed to them.</p>
<p>I got a real call from my bank fraud dept. the other day (unauthorized use of my credit card) - but I hung up and then called them back, using the phone number listed on the bank’s web site. I had no reason to doubt that the call was genuine, because the only thing they wanted from me was confirmation (or not) of the charge – but the point is that I knew who I was calling the 2nd time when I initiated the call).</p>
<p>I think the key thing to remember, is that a legitimate call from the bank/cc company would NEVER ask you to verify your account number or PIN. They already have the account number and they don’t need the PIN. they may ask you to verify the last several digits or OTHER info, such as your security questions…but I believe they never ask your full acct number.</p>
<p>I once got a call allegedly from my “credit card company” that asked me whether I had a Visa or a Mastercard. I said, “You’re my credit card company. How come you don’t know??”</p>
<p>How stupid do they think we are?</p>
<p>And, are there really people who respond to the Nigerian bank scams?</p>
<p>Terrible persons scamming the elderly: How many times we have heard about the “Grandma” scan?
-A “Grandchild" called Grandma asking for money because he is in jail and need $1000.</p>
<p>“Grandma, it is your favorite grandchild”-
“Oh, John?”
“Yes, Grandma, it is John. Grandma, I’m in trouble I was detained and have to pay $800 (amount different in different instances)”
Oh well sweetie, I guess we have to notify your parents"
-“Oh no grandma, it will be devastating, I don’t want they get mad with me. A cashier check will work”
-Oh dear don’t’ worry. A cashier check? I will go to the bank right now…
The only problem is that the caller was not a “Grandchild” it was a “Thief” sometimes a convicted person. The Grandmas believe it is the Grandchild and sent the money…Terrible persons scamming the elderly</p>
<p>I’ve gotten a lot of the Nigerian phishing emails lately. They had stopped for a long time. If anyone hasn’t listened to the “This American Life” podcast episode called enforcers, it’s worth it. It’s about someone who decided to scam the African scammers.</p>
<p>Yea, the reminder to always CALL BACK your bank on the number listed on the card you were issued BEFORE discussing or giving out any info is a good one. If they’re legit, they should have no issues with your caution.</p>
<p>Have to remember not to answer the phone from a random number late at night.</p>
<p>I’ve recently heard of two different scams that I think a lot of people could fall for:</p>
<p>Scam #1: The caller claims to be from your credit card company and says that they are calling about possible fraudulent charges on your credit card. They read you your card number (which can be obtained in a lot of different ways).
They then say they have to verify that you have the actual card in your possession and ask you to tell them the security number on the back.
Apparently, while it isn’t that hard for thieves to get the card numbers, it is harder for them to also get the security code, and with both items they can use your card more easily.</p>
<p>Scam #2: You get a call from someone from the Commissioner of Jurors in your county.
They claim that you failed to respond to a jury summons, and a bench warrant is to be issued against you. However, if you agree to come in to the court the following week they will not place the warrant.
Then they ask you for your date of birth and social security number…</p>
<p>I thought these are the kinds of things I might fall for, so I hope someone else finds them helpful too.</p>
<p>Yes, these scams do sound a lot more “legit,” and things that many might fall for. Again, it is good to verify who they say they are & then call the number on YOUR credit card so you KNOW who YOU called. They can even make it appear they are calling from a different number than the number they are actually calling from, so caller ID can be subverted as well.</p>
<p>Any time they try to pressure you to provide information, don’t do it. There is nothing wrong in thanking them for their information and saying that you need time to get whatever it is they say you need to provide. Ask them what number to call them back on and HANG UP. The phone number might help your office of consumer protection or BBB (unless it’s a pre-paid phone or skype or something else). It is a wild & dangerous world out there, always trying to get a “quick buck.”</p>