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BigRat

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#142503 14-Mar-2014 21:32
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So, just as I arrived home at night, I get a sudden call from a mysterious ISP (doubt it's Chorus) whom which the caller said that our streets are getting a network upgrade; yes I can tell that our street is indeed getting a nice network upgrade by Chorus (could be fibre). So after explaining me the details of the "special" deals on ADSL2+ broadband, the lady then asked me for my address, phone/mobile number, email address, our current ISP and account number and in such a suspicious move, our Drivers Licence number for "verification". Has anyone encountered this before, while their street is/was getting a network upgrade?

 

 

I know that for once scammers had over the years tried every method of trying to scam people out of their pocket or been stealing their details. But even though I have not received this kind of call before, I already have my suspicions up. Because I don't see what's the point of calling a random household in a middle of the night just to offer a good deal. I never heard of this promotion before, so what does everyone think?

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freitasm
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  #1006115 15-Mar-2014 12:49
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Lesson: NEVER EVER give away personal information to ANYONE calling. Even less to people claiming to be from your "bank", "credit card company" or telcos.

Imagine this conversation:



Telco sales person: "We have done a survey and found people in your area could get faster and cheaper Internet. If you give me your details, including your name, address, current provider and account number I can check that a better priced/faster service is availabe for you. How does that sound?"

Account owner: "It sounds great. My name is ..."

Telco sales person: "Wow, you can get unlimited broadband for $20 less. Does it sound good to you?"

Account owner: "Yes."

Telco sales person: disconnect.


Next thing you know the "Telco sales person" used that "Yes." you said as a justification to transfer your account. They have all the data they need. They don't even need to give you their company name. That's how slam works and that's how we had many discussions a few years back with people who didn't even know who their provider was. The losing telco can't tell you which is the new provider for "security reasons" or "privacy reasons" (yes, valid ones) so you get in the mud.

Replace this with "bank" or "credit card" and you can see people stealing money from your account.






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