Beware of Debit Card/Cell Phone Scam

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque May 18, 2009

I received a call on my cell phone today. It was a recording stating that spending on my debit card is being halted. And I should call an 800 number or press 1 to speak to someone in security.

First of all, I don't even have a debit card. So that raised my suspicions right away. And even if it had been my credit card company, a live person would have called me (at least from my card issuer anyway) and my credit card company doesn't even have my cell phone number.

So if you get a call like this, don't call their 800 number, and don't press 1 either. Simply call the 800 number on the back of your credit or debit card. As soon as you call that number, the person who answers the phone will transfer you to the security department if there is a problem.