Bank of America users who used a mobile app were called by someone with the same called ID number and the same hold music as their branch. During the call they were told about a large sum they spent, which rang their alarm as “questionable”, hence the call. In the linked article, you’ll see that it’s easy to fall for, but remember: if your bank calls you, or for that matter just about anyone else, either ghost it or hang up. No information should ever be given out over the phone. After clearing off the call, you should call your main branch and check in, reporting the scam. If you’ve seen money leave your account after a call, you have to call the bank anyway. You want your money back.
As a rule of thumb, I never answer my phone unless it’s from someone I know, and then I still better really hear their voice, or I’m hanging up. If the caller ID comes up as a business, I already think it’s a spoofed number, as I’ve seen spoofs done for years. They’re hardly new but used to be rare. Now, not so much.
Once I got a call with the Fios logo and number. I came very close to being scammed before I caught on and hung up the phone.
Don’t feel bad if you get fooled. The fact is, they sometimes are convincing, but don’t punish yourself in any event. Alert your bank and credit card company as well as the police, and never give any information over the phone again. Als o, when using an app for transactions, do not follow the instructions of anyone calling you. That’s always a no-go.
Any time you’re called–especially by the IRS or Social Security Administration, hang up immediately. Those never call you; you get a piece of mail indicating that you should call them instead. You’re going to be answered by a recorded menu and put on hold, but that’s when you know you’re on the right track. They will not ask you for your information because once you identify yourself by the mail you received, they’re already looking at your information on their monitor. That’s how it works, period.
Be careful. With September begins the busiest time of year for scammers and porch pirates. Come December, your biggest problem should be buying the goose or ham and puzzling over what to get that uncle who’s never happy with anything and who gives you a truly heinous tie or lace brassiere. Time to get even. Give him an inflatable doll. You know the kind I mean?
Memoirs of an American Asshole 