Beware of Telephone Credit Card Scam!
February 14, 2007 at 10:50 am (Jumbled Jabbering)
I received a call this morning offering a lower interest rate on my credit card account. The woman’s name was Gloria and she spoke with an American accent. I asked her what company she represents and I was told “Card Services.”
“So you don’t represent a particular credit card company?” I asked.
“No Ma’am, we are simply offering a lower interest rate for any of your credit card accounts,” she responded.
“So if you’re offering this service to me, then I’m assuming you have my credit card information, including my account numbers?”
“No,” she answered, “We don’t have that information.”
So I asked, “Then that would mean that for me to benefit from this lower interest rate, I would have to provide you with this information over the phone, right?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I’m not comfortable discussing my credit card information over the telephone, so do you have an address where I can write to you?” Of course something smelled fishy.
“Ma’am, I’m just a representative for qualifying credit card holders for this offer.”
“But surely you have an address where I can reach you.”
“No Ma’am, I’m just a representative…” blah, blah, blah.
“Then may I speak to a supervisor please?”
After putting me on hold for a few minutes, she came back and said, “Ma’am, a supervisor isn’t available at the moment, have a nice day,” and she hung up on me.
Oh, and did I tell you that I had to take advantage of this offer RIGHT NOW because it was soon to expire? I pitty the poor folks who will get scammed by this operation. And yes, I did call Phonebusters to report it.
stacie said,
February 14, 2007 at 10:34 pm
I think I got one of those today too! They left a message about something about a lower interest rate, but I ignored it. Thanks for the tip!!
Barry said,
February 15, 2007 at 3:59 pm
You did good girl. I always knew you were a smart one.
It is amazing how many people get taken in by these scams. That’s why when I get a call like that, whether legit or not, I simply tell them that I never conduct transactions over the phone and if I want their services, I’ll contact them in person. That usually ends the call and if it doesn’t, I just hang up.
Hey, next time you should tell the person you want to speak to their French speaking representative. I bet that would through them off…….hehehe.
Lynne said,
February 17, 2007 at 9:54 am
Crooks are everywhere.
So beware and take care,
Not to be the next victim
Of their well thoughtout verbatim.
It could cost you more,
Then you could ever ignore
And end up with a trail
that will make you wail.
So thanks to my Sister
Who caught on to the Mister
who tried to scam her good
But couldn’t because she stood
On her feelings of doubt
Of the lies in this man’s mouth.
Thankfully she reported,
The call that was distorted.
And sent to jail he may be
In hopes to never scam me.
yukonchatterbug said,
February 17, 2007 at 10:05 am
Hey Sis,
I didn’t know you are a poet too! Very nice!