How to watch out for sophisticated scammers
DEAR HARRIETTE >> I almost got duped AGAIN by scammers. They are so clever, and it unnerves me. I got a call from someone posing as an Amazon agent, saying that someone in Memphis, Tennessee, was trying to buy a $999 computer using my account. He said it was flagged because the amount was high, and it was going to a different address than I generally use. He asked to verify my ZIP code. I did. He asked if I had been traveling. He then told me about a range of places where my account had been opened. He made little statements and asked questions here and there that caught me off guard.
He then offered to transfer me to my bank's fraud department, where I was asked to give my Social Security number or the last four digits of my bank account number. That's when I got suspicious. My bank has never asked for such information. I asked how I could know that this was actually my bank. The guy said, “Well, you didn't call me. You were transferred to me.” I said I would call my bank myself and hung up. When I called my bank, I learned it was an elaborate scam. I almost gave my personal information.
I am writing to tell you this so maybe you can tell your readers. Even if you think you are smart, these guys are slick.
— Almost Scammed
DEAR ALMOST SCAMMED >>
Thank you for sharing what sounds like a harrowing experience. It feels awful to be violated. Good thing you stopped before you gave pertinent information.
As your bank probably told you, they will use proper procedures with you if they call about fraud. You can check your personal bank to see what the protocols are, but in general, you will not be transferred by a third party to your bank. Tell them you will call the bank at a phone number you have researched yourself.
This kind of thing has happened to me on more than one occasion. I gave money once when someone claimed to be the IRS. I had to work with the police afterward, but no money was recovered. Err on the side of caution. Do not give personal information to any random person who calls you.
Check for fraud yourself, not through them.