Here's another story about how identity thieves almost got me to hopefully serve as an example for you guys to learn from.
Background: I went on a cruise this summer and before I left I used my CC to pay for an Uber to the port. Wells Fargo froze my account for "suspicious activity" because it was in a different state but I didn't know this at the time.
I got a text Monday afternoon from WF saying what was charged and to text Y if it was me or call a number if it wasn't so I shot a text back confirming it was me. Easy right? Well later that evening I thought I would check out my account on my app to see if everything was sorted out but I had a notification saying that my account was still frozen for suspicious activity and to call support. So here I am on vacation having to deal with WF freezing my account because I took an Uber in a city one state over... It was the least of my worries and besides I was using cash for everything I needed anyways so I'd just handle it when I'm not in the middle of the Caribbean.
Now to how they almost got me: I'm having drinks at a bar before I head to dinner and at this point in the day I'm feeling pretty good (drink packages on cruises are amazing). I get a call on my cell and for whatever reason I decide I have nothing better to do than to see who's calling. "Hi UrielSicarius, this is ____ with Wells Fargo Fraud department. We noticed some activity that was suspicious on your account and wanted to check with you to make sure it was you". I'm thinking "Well I didn't want to deal with it but I guess I will now that they got me on the phone".
So she starts by asking for my DOB to confirm its me, I rail it off right away but as soon as I do I get this weird feeling in my gut... wait I've read these stories before?? She asks for the last 4 digits of my SSN. Yeah somethings not right here. I told her I didn't have that with me and she says not a problem, I can confirm my identity with my card number or account number. REALLY not feeling it now. I hang up immediately.
I called the number back to do a little testing. It gave me some elevator music while I waited then the same chick answered saying "Hi UrielSicarius, we must have disconnected...". No sweety, you just gave yourself away. I know what WF's music and Automated voice sounds like when you call them and they sure as anything don't just answer knowing who is calling without me having to go through five option menus to get there. I looked the number up and the first thing is someone complaining saying its a fraud caller.
Keep your guards up people. I don't know how this company knew I had my account frozen but it was a damn good attempt by them. Good timing on their part a few drinks will make you an easy target if you aren't ready. We've all read how your company WILL NOT CALL YOU AND ASK FOR THIS INFORMATION, DO NOT GIVE IT OUT.
TLDR: Card got frozen while on vacation. Shortly after I got a call from fake WF Fraud and it almost caught me off guard.
Edit: Forgot to mentioned I called the correct number, got everything sorted and confirmed WF had not contacted me
Submitted July 22, 2018 at 03:28PM by UrielSicarius https://ift.tt/2LsRgSU
