..... phony-baloney?

jetskier · 09-13-2018, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

In today's mail got what very much seems to me to be a fraudulent, phony-baloney notice from my local bank(a fraud) concerning my credit card pin number.

This has got to be a fraud scam to steal the money out of my account.

For one thing, it is highly unlikely, my bank, the largest local bank in the lakes regions would send a notice like this. It is an 8 1/2" x 11" very plain white with black lettered notice, folded in thirds, looks like the real deal, supposedly notifying me that my pin number has been changed, and shows the new pin number.

It also shows the 16-digit credit card number as xxxxxxxxxxxx4598, which is not my number ...... probably just a made up number ..... looking to steal.

Return address: 82 Wolfeboro Highway, Alton NH 03809; first class mail

Has anyone else received a similar mailed notice?

Why I put this in boating ..... because someone is "phishing" for dollars ..... ho-ho-ho ...... no, not really, should have put it in general ..... oh well?

This is a classic case of "Phishing" (not fishing). Phishing is when a bad actor tries to get personal information from you by enticing you to provide it. This is completely rampant these days and everyone should be on guard against it. Some of the contemporary classics:

A notice from a bank or credit card provider indicating that there is an issue with your account and you need to provide your personal information using the attached link.
A notice from ebay or paypal indicating that your account will be shut down unless you refresh your information using the attached link.

There are also the myriad phone scams such as a call from the "IRS" indicating that you will be arrested unless you make an overdue payment now using your credit card. A person indicating that your son/daughter has been in an accident and you need to provide your credit card number to provide help.

Finally, viruses and malware are also extremely problematic. One of the worst is ransomware which will encrypt all the files on your computer and send a demand letter for payment to receive the keys.

Please make sure that your computers have proper security:

Active Firewall
Virus Protection
Malware Protection

Don't ever provide personal information over the phone or based upon an email.

Jetskier

Top-Water · 09-13-2018, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jetskier

Don't ever provide personal information over the phone or based upon an email.

1,000 % Correct its a huge problem these days.

Edit
Just after posting.

Windows Tech Support just called minutes ago. Another big scam.

jetskier · 09-13-2018, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top-Water

1,000 % Correct its a huge problem these days.

Edit
Just after posting.

Windows Tech Support just called minutes ago. Another big scam.

Yes, this is a scam for computer support. Someone calls and says "your computer just indicated that there is a Microsoft Operating System problem, we are Microsoft support." and then they request payment for help.

The last time that I got this call I asked the caller, "OK, what is my IP address?" They said, "North Reading"....Gotcha!

Clearly, this is another scam...your computer is fine, it does not send out distress calls to Microsoft and this person is not in any way affiliated with Microsoft. Don't fall for it!

Jetskier

Nagigator · 09-13-2018, 02:37 PM

I get that Microsoft call and tell them I'm really busy right now, give me your number and I'll call you back...Click.

Rockslider · 09-13-2018, 02:54 PM

If you received that notice in the mail, I would suggest calling your bank before you ignore it. My wife works for a bank and was telling me just a week ago about a situation that involved a widespread fraud attempt that was intercepted -- but many customers were issued new ATM cards, and their PINs were sent by mail.

If this notice was sent by email, I would agree with ignoring it -- 99% chance it was fraudulent. But if it was in the mail, there is a chance that it may be legit. You should check with your bank (at their verified number, not one that is on the mailing) so you don't end up needing your ATM card one day and finding out it was frozen.

Of course, if you don't have an ATM card, this is all moot and the letter was a scam...

MAXUM · 09-13-2018, 03:10 PM

Keep in mind that ID theft is a huge problem, in fact while that CC number may not be one you recognize there is nothing saying somebody could have stolen your identity (OMG 2 FFLS running around out there

) and opened up accounts in your name.

I'd immediately contact your bank for starters, I'd also run a quick credit check through one of the major online bureaus just to make sure nothing nefarious is going on.

Likely it's just a scam and a ploy to steal your information but you never can be to careful and for GOD's sake don't give your information out to anyone just cause they ask!

Then again if somebody stole your identity and purchased lots of noodles on credit you may have a hard time disputing that charge!

09-13-2018, 02:37 PM	#4
Nagigator Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Central Ma. Posts: 290 Thanks: 269 Thanked 55 Times in 39 Posts	scams I get that Microsoft call and tell them I'm really busy right now, give me your number and I'll call you back...Click.

The Following User Says Thank You to jetskier For This Useful Post:
Top-Water (09-13-2018)

09-13-2018, 02:54 PM	#5
Rockslider Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 52 Thanks: 5 Thanked 37 Times in 12 Posts	If you received that notice in the mail, I would suggest calling your bank before you ignore it. My wife works for a bank and was telling me just a week ago about a situation that involved a widespread fraud attempt that was intercepted -- but many customers were issued new ATM cards, and their PINs were sent by mail. If this notice was sent by email, I would agree with ignoring it -- 99% chance it was fraudulent. But if it was in the mail, there is a chance that it may be legit. You should check with your bank (at their verified number, not one that is on the mailing) so you don't end up needing your ATM card one day and finding out it was frozen. Of course, if you don't have an ATM card, this is all moot and the letter was a scam...

09-13-2018, 03:10 PM	#6
MAXUM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kuna ID Posts: 2,755 Thanks: 246 Thanked 1,942 Times in 802 Posts	Keep in mind that ID theft is a huge problem, in fact while that CC number may not be one you recognize there is nothing saying somebody could have stolen your identity (OMG 2 FFLS running around out there ) and opened up accounts in your name. I'd immediately contact your bank for starters, I'd also run a quick credit check through one of the major online bureaus just to make sure nothing nefarious is going on. Likely it's just a scam and a ploy to steal your information but you never can be to careful and for GOD's sake don't give your information out to anyone just cause they ask! Then again if somebody stole your identity and purchased lots of noodles on credit you may have a hard time disputing that charge!