Post by Christy The Admin on Dec 18, 2006 18:21:39 GMT -5
This is just a note to remind anyone who hadn't already had reason to think about this that you should never give out personal information of any kind or credit card numbers over the phone unless you initiate the call. I've gotten dozens of calls from people who get quite frustrated with me when I insist I'll call the home office to check on my account.
These people call claiming to be from a bank, a credit card company, Sears, a magazine subscription place or a dozen other usually legitimate places. They need to verify your information, be it your address, social security number, phone number (yes, verify the phone number they just called you at), credit card number, your NAME or a combo of the above. You figure, okay I have a Mastercard, this must be right, and then your identity has been stolen and thousands of dollars of merchandise bought in your name.
When this happens, say, "OK. I don't give out this sort of information if I don't initiate the call. I'll just call my bank/credit card company/cable provider/etc. and give the information I need to then." They will argue. Don't give in. They may yell at you. Too bad.
They may leave a message with a number to call them back at. Say, Mastercard wants you to call 888-IMA-PULE because there is suspicious activity on your account. Don't call that number. EVER. Call the customer service number on the back of your card, or the main desks at whatever company they claim to be from, and ask if there is anything amiss with your account. Chances are, there won't be. But if you call the number they give you, they'll either get you to give up personal info they then use, OR the toll free number will redirect to a PAY number and you'll end up with a huge phone bill. It's like emails from "PayPal" (see my thread on that)...always go to the real deal to check it out.
These people call claiming to be from a bank, a credit card company, Sears, a magazine subscription place or a dozen other usually legitimate places. They need to verify your information, be it your address, social security number, phone number (yes, verify the phone number they just called you at), credit card number, your NAME or a combo of the above. You figure, okay I have a Mastercard, this must be right, and then your identity has been stolen and thousands of dollars of merchandise bought in your name.
When this happens, say, "OK. I don't give out this sort of information if I don't initiate the call. I'll just call my bank/credit card company/cable provider/etc. and give the information I need to then." They will argue. Don't give in. They may yell at you. Too bad.
They may leave a message with a number to call them back at. Say, Mastercard wants you to call 888-IMA-PULE because there is suspicious activity on your account. Don't call that number. EVER. Call the customer service number on the back of your card, or the main desks at whatever company they claim to be from, and ask if there is anything amiss with your account. Chances are, there won't be. But if you call the number they give you, they'll either get you to give up personal info they then use, OR the toll free number will redirect to a PAY number and you'll end up with a huge phone bill. It's like emails from "PayPal" (see my thread on that)...always go to the real deal to check it out.