When returning home I had a long message on my phone, from my credit card company. He quoted the kind of card as "platinum" which was the first clue of something odd - I didn't know I had "platinum", whatever that is. He quoted the kind of CC I had, (which is seldom used, always paid promptly when I DO use it). I did charge an airline ticket two days ago, purchased through Travelocity. I kept listening to the long message and at the end it automatically connected/redialed to a live person. He asked for last 4 digits of card and last 4 digits of my SS. I asked, who are you trying to contact - he just kept talking. I said I wasn't going to give that to him, and he responded, "if you are not comfortable giving me that information, please contact the number on the back of your CC." All very polite and seemingly legitimate.
I called my CC and their Security Department said NO ONE from their company had called me. The balance on my card was accurate and as expected, that of the airline ticket. The rep. said this is not uncommon Phishing, or Fraudster-ing. I am soooo relieved I did not give out more info - I had been uneasy about even HAVING that CC. We all know/hope the CC company will contact us if we have "unusual" or "unexpected" charges, and that was my first thought, something wrong, so I was tempted .
The telephone number on caller ID was 800-462-2016. Doing a Google search relayed many others who had the same experience.
I am a quilter - a retired widow living in the Nebraska Panhandle. I am surrounded by beautiful semi-arid ranch country, and treeless hills and fields under incredibly wide blue skies, located far from the upheaval found often in large towns or cities. I am blessed to have delicious time to quilt and to appreciate my peaceful moments in an unpeaceful world.
Great public service announcement. Thanks! I get these calls occasionally and I never give up any information.
ReplyDeleteA lesson for us all....never ever give your credit card number to someone who calls you. Always be very suspicious. A hard thing to do when we are taught to be courteous and gracious to even strangers.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you had this happen, Elaine, but I'm glad everything turned out good and that you shared it with us on your blog.
ReplyDeleteI got a similar call a few months ago, they claimed that there was a problem with my computer and wanted to take control of it. Same thing, call this number and the number wasn't legit. Have to be careful of the crooks, I wonder how they get out numbers to begin with. On a happier note, I have 6 kaleidoscope blocks now. They are wild and funky, but I think the end result is going to be pretty.
ReplyDeleteI always make sure to call our CC company whenever we are going to travel out of state too!!!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many crooks out there! Another side to the story. A couple weeks ago We got a call saying there was unusual activity on our card. I didn't verify any CC number, but after hanging up, DH looked up our account online and sure enough, there was a charge of $104 to Domino's Pizza! We were glad they called even though we didn't verify anything with the CC company until we had called them about the fraudulent charge. You have to be so careful these days.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the information. We just had our credit card number stolen but not in the manner you describe. But there are so many ways a bad person can get your card number any more.
ReplyDeleteWOW! I am glad nothing happened to your credit accts. That is really scarry. It sounds so legitimate, but it is really not! Thanks for the info on this scam. I will be very watchful in the future.
ReplyDeleteoh so glad you didn't tell anything. We get loads of these things downunder. I will not give ANY information atall if someone phones. The Scot says it is rude as he he curious and polite, but I do try to drum it into him that not everyone is as nice as he. Thanks goodness he is deaf and usually gives the phone to me if he gets there first.
ReplyDeleteKeep well. Its coolers here we have had a spell of really hot weather.
Wow.. I guess we have to be more careful than I thought. Good thinking on your part. I'm afraid I'd get pulled in very easily... The nice thing is that I usually route all phone calls to my husband anyway... I'm not doing ANY business over the phone in Japanese!
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