I'm a fairly astute consumer.
I can usually spot scams and ignore the lure. Yet a text message this week almost led me to become victim of a scam that apparently has been around a long time.
The text claimed to be from a bank I have dealings with, and it said my account had been "frozen". The message instructed me to call a number beginning with 866.
Fortunately I was driving, so I didn't try to make the call immediately. As my mind went into consumer scam alert mode, I realized this was the first time I had ever received a text from that bank, and the alarms bells finally went off.
I Googled the number and found numerous warnings about it being a scam.
What I don't understand is why banking and securities officials have not stopped it. I mean, they have their phone number, no?
I can usually spot scams and ignore the lure. Yet a text message this week almost led me to become victim of a scam that apparently has been around a long time.
The text claimed to be from a bank I have dealings with, and it said my account had been "frozen". The message instructed me to call a number beginning with 866.
Fortunately I was driving, so I didn't try to make the call immediately. As my mind went into consumer scam alert mode, I realized this was the first time I had ever received a text from that bank, and the alarms bells finally went off.
I Googled the number and found numerous warnings about it being a scam.
What I don't understand is why banking and securities officials have not stopped it. I mean, they have their phone number, no?
866 number--big red flag.
ReplyDeletePlus, banks would first give written notice.
There used to be E mail scams. Usually by banks (or "banks) where I do not have an account. But one E mail some years ago included a logo that looked very much like my bank.
I printed it out, including the routing information, and took it to a bank officer, who thanked me.
Never got another E mail from that outfit.
So, you were texting while driving?
ReplyDeleteShame.
Jay: Actually, the text arrived earlier, but I looked at it as I was getting in the car to drive home. I was THINKING about calling right away,but did not (-:
ReplyDeleteGo, my son. Your quasi-sin is forgiven.
ReplyDelete