Provided by the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection:
Q. I received a telephone call today that caused me some concern. It was someone from my bank; or so they said. One of the reasons I was concerned is because the call came through on my cell phone while I was at work. I generally only give out my cell phone number to family, which is why I answered it though I did not recognize the number on my caller ID. I was told that there was a problem with my debit/credit card’s security account. I followed the prompts given to me. When I pressed “1” to “connect me with someone” I was then asked to enter my social security number. I had read in one of your past Troubleshooter articles that you should never enter personal information; especially if you did not initiate the call. So I hung up. With all the news reports you hear about credit card information being compromised, how would you know if the call was not legitimate? C.J. Trumbauersville
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A. Bucks County Consumer Protection has received several calls concerning this type of situation. We advise consumers that they should never offer personal information over the phone, especially when it’s a “cold call” (that’s when you receive an unsolicited call into your home). In addition, never “punch in” your account or Social Security number in the hope of speaking with a “live” person. Most often, you cannot be certain that they way the caller introduces themselves is truthfully who they are. We recommend informing the caller that you will personally check with your financial institution concerning any potential issue regarding your debit/credit card. If they give you a telephone number in which to return their call disregard that number. Only return the call or call the number that is in the records you already have for your bank.
For additional tips and brochures on many consumers related issues please visit us at http://www.buckscounty.org/government/CommunityServices/ConsumerProtection/ConsumerTips
