Originally Posted By: Vern_in_IL
Well if they do get any money, how can I dispute it? They got me recorded saying "yes" to their offers. Anything comes in the mail, I'm going to return to sender.
Yeah it was dumb, but I thought I was on the right number.... I'm like meh don't want my gift card...lets get to activation.
I almost fell for the FBI ransomware a few years ago(the kind that did NOT encrypt your hard drive)
You should activate your cards online from now on. There's usually a 1-800 number and a website (the website you always use to sign in) listed. Every time I've called to activate a card, it has either required me to select a few automated responses (press 1, press 2-type of thing) or enter my card number and then do the same. I have never once spoken to a person in order to activate a card.
I honestly don't know how people fall for these kinds of things. They're so incredibly obvious, that it's painful to hear about. I wouldn't be so harsh normally, but I don't want you or anyone to think that falling for this kind of thing should be considered normal, or that it couldn't screw your life up if you treat it so non-nonchalantly.
Err on the side of caution and NEVER TRUST ANYONE. If you receive an email, text or phone call, verify the information by your normal method. If any of these things tell you something is wrong, then confirm by those normal methods. In other words, if you receive a phone call or dial the wrong number and something is asked of you or conveyed to you that is not 100% in line with what you think, then hang up. Go online, check your contacts, re-read the number listed on the credit card, whatever.
Also, as most companies try to include in pretty much every correspondence, they will NEVER ask you for your password or other sensitive information via email.