TODAY’S PHONE SCAM

At KnightsBridge Castle our staff members, contrary to our consumer advice to avoid identity theft and scams, often answer phone calls without screening. We do this to stay ahead of new scams.

Today’s scam went something like this:

(Staff Member) Hello.
(Caller) –after 5 second pause- Hello, May I speak to Sally Smith?
(SM) May I ask who is calling?
(C) This is Consumer Assistance calling for Sally Smith.
(SM) Is this a sales call?
(C) No, this is not a sales call.
(SM) This phone number is on the Do Not Call telephone registry. Do we have a preexisting business relationship?
(C) Yes.
(SM) Can you tell me what this call is about?
(C) Yes, the credit reporting companies have informed us that Sally Smith has more than $10,000 in debt and we are here to help. We can assist with 0% financing and reduce her debt payments by more than 40%.
(SM) Can you tell me more?
(C) Yes. We are calling to assist Sally Smith in reducing her debts and in reducing her payments.

The call then proceeded for some while as the caller repeatedly assured the Staff Member that this was not a sales call and that all they wanted to do was help. We bit!

(SM) Why this sounds very good to me. Id like to sign up.
(C) Great, we can help you immediately to reduce your debt. But first I need some information…

The information required?
Credit Card Numbers
Mailing Addresses

Can you spot the tell tale indicators of fraud in this call?

Here they are:
They called on a registered do not call telephone number.
They lied about a pre-existing business relationship.
They implied they had authorization and had obtained credit records.
They revealed to a person whose identity they did not know that Sally Smith had at least $10,000 in debt.
They wanted credit card numbers and mailing address information.
“Consumer Assistance” is often a section or division of government, public interest, and private company activity. The name is so common as to loose all identifying qualities.

Well, that’s today’s phone scam.