I got a strange call the other day. The recording said I had won a prize, but I didn’t remember entering a contest. It told me to push 1 for more information. I thought, what the heck… may as well see what I won, couldn’t hurt right? Shortly after pressing 1, my call was switched to a fast talking representative. He told me I had won a new plasma TV. He just needed to get my home address, name and credit card number to pay for the shipping. Sounds probable, right? Nope! As soon as I heard that request, I told him no. I was unwilling to give our personal information over the phone for some contest I did not remember entering. He didn’t give up easy… persisting I was going miss my chance to receive the prize. I finally hung up.
Was it possible he was legitimate? Maybe. But I wasn’t going to risk my private information to something that didn’t quite seem on the up and up. These sort of calls are practically written in the “how to guide” on scamming. Make it seem like a great deal and someone is sure to fall for your scam.
It is important to protect your financial identity. You should never give out any personal information to an unsolicited phone call. If you really think it may actually be a sweepstakes winnings or other authentic purpose, turn the tables back on them. Ask them for a phone number to call them back. Request from them specific business information like phone numbers and address of the business. Check it out on the web or through your Better Business Bureau.
Be leery of any promises… especially when they seem to be too good to be true. Scammers prey on our hidden desires. We all hope to win the lottery some day… even if we don’t every buy a ticket.
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