Do you think the internet opens up opportunities for fraudulent activity?

United States
September 17, 2009 2:46pm CST
I use the internet on a daily basis. But, just recently did I start paying bills and such online. It has always been used primarily for school or work. You always hear about hackers doing this and that. But, you always think that it could never happen to you. Well, it has yet to happen to me. But, I started thinking about it when I got this call yesterday similar to many calls I get on a daily basis. A lady called and said that she was removing my information from a website. Basically, that morning, someone had retrieved all my information to my bank account and had posted it online for everyone to see. She proceeded by asking me to verify my street address and after saying the street address, she asked for my zip code. I said, "if you really are who you say you are than why are you asking me for my zipcode? If you supposedly have all my information in front of you, why don't you tell me what it is." She said, "you don't know your own zip code? We are just trying to help you. I am just trying to verify your identity." Then, I told her, "of course I know my information. But, if you have all my information in front of you, you should know it. Are you trying to tell me that you got my number on the website and you called me. But, you need me to tell you my zipcode? If you know my phone number and street address, you should know my zipcode. If there really is a problem then I will call my bank and cancel my account." I was really irritated because I realize how many times I get these calls. But, I realized that it is possible for confidential information to be retrieved online. Furthermore, many people are aware of it so we get situations like mine where people get bluffed into thinking that their identity is at risk so they verify confidential information, sometimes to the crooks, themselves. After the phone call, I spoke with my bank. They reminded me never to verify information over the phone. And, to always get a name and number of the company to call them back at to show them that I don't buy it. What do you guys think? Is any one else out there tired of these calls? Any suggestions to stop them?
1 response
@raj_ka (431)
• India
22 Sep 09
Yes this is definetely a very risky situation.Most of the banks should follow strict rules and should not share any confidencial information of the customer through phone. If they do so such calls may not come as they will no that no one is going to share any information through phone. I too never share any information unless and until they give me full details of the situation. Even if they ask me i generally tell them to send a document so that i can send my details. Never trust these guys calling through phone!!!!