Phone scam, I think.

[vatblack]

I just had a call from "unavailable". It said that my debit card was cancelled. Since I don't have one, I was wondering if someone opened one in my name, so I followed instructions that told me to press 1 to find out more.

After that, I was told to press 1 to keep the card and 2 to hang up. No operator option. So, I chose 1. It immediately asked me to enter my account or card number (16 digets).

Am I right in assuming by having the card number and my name and phone number (obviously by tracing my phone number in the white pages, I guess), they could use the card?

Has this happened to any of you?

[BoyCrazy]

Sure sounds scammy to me. I bet what they are doing is just calling random people hoping they will enter their debit card numbers. Isn't that what a phishing scam is, or is that only when it's done online?
You didn't give any personal information, right? Did they have your name or specify a particular bank?

[TinaDeanette]

Your bank would never do that. That's def a scam. They would either send you something in the mail or call you in person.

[l_Kimmie_l]

Scam for sure.

[vatblack]

Originally Posted by BoyCrazy Sure sounds scammy to me. I bet what they are doing is just calling random people hoping they will enter their debit card numbers. Isn't that what a phishing scam is, or is that only when it's done online? You didn't give any personal information, right? Did they have your name or specify a particular bank?

No, I did not give them any information. Their system is set up that the only info you CAN give is the card number. The red flags for me was:
1) "Unavailable" on the caller ID.
2) No operator option and there was only 2 options - bank call systems usually have 5+ options!
3) There was no bank mentioned, no name mentioned or anything else.

I wonder if I would have been sharp enough to pick up on it if I did have a debit card. I wonder in my panic of whether it was stolen or hacked or whatever would have made me miss these things.

I guess my take away from this is never to panic about these things and really reason it out. One can always hang up and phone your bank back or go to a branch to sort things out. There is no need to immediately react.

[3lilbubs]

yes, scam. If your bank calls they will ask a series of security questions that you set up.

[trying4more]

scam. My sister just got the same call a few days ago.

[ohgirlohboyohno]

I have also received texts that my account had been suspended and to call a number...then whe you call the number you get the same kind of options....total scam

[vatblack]

I read an article the other day that says people over 65 are not as likely to spot scams anymore. This one was glaring, but I wonder if older people are as aware. That is probably the target market.

http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceno...t-scammed.html

When I get to 65, I run everything I do past my daughter first! LOL

[acwakip]

Originally Posted by vatblack I read an article the other day that says people over 65 are not as likely to spot scams anymore. This one was glaring, but I wonder if older people are as aware. That is probably the target market. http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceno...t-scammed.html When I get to 65, I run everything I do past my daughter first! LOL

I would call your local news station and warn them of it. Our local news does these stories all the time as older people are more likely to find out via TV news than online.

Or the local non-emergency police number.