strange calls from VZ support?

[aweber1nj]

I got a series of (what I consider) strange calls from Verizon Tech Support today. The caller ID read "Verizon Technical Support", and the number was 800-922-0204.

They called me out of the blue and a guy with a thick accent (it wasn't "Southern" or such) asked me to verify my name so that Verizon could give me 50% off my July bill. So I didn't see the harm in giving my name. I know you can spoof Caller ID, but so far, harmless.

Then he asked me for my password?!?!?! I said, "No." And he said, "What?" So I repeated my reply. I said, "I'm not giving you my password." He sounded kind of annoyed by that, saying he needed to "Verify my account." So how about the last 4? I was really skeptical, but I figured that would be semi-safe. He seemed satisfied and said a supervisor would call back and verify this and that would be it. I hung up.

So I did receive a call a few hours later -- again a pretty thick accent, but I didn't really think anything of that. He identified himself as a supervisor and gave me his "Verizon Badge Number" (does anyone know how to verify these badge numbers anyway???) He also asked me for my password! I told him "No, and I'm thinking about switching my service to another provider because your security protocols are total crap!" He said he was sorry and that I could do whatever I thought was necessary. He hung up.

I got a third call, from another supervisor who also gave me his badge number, verified the spelling of my name (possible the first two guys got it wrong?), and told me that's all he needed to credit my July bill and gave me some reference number.

Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone else has gotten these calls today? The only thing I could think of is that they're trying to control the backlash from the new plans, but even more it makes me think someone is trying to do some social hacking/engineering to gain entry to VZW accounts.

Sorry for the long post.

-AJ

 

[bed269]

I would call Verizon and check it out.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[Super_Mario]

Sounds like they wanted your info for a scam. They never call out and offer such things that require info. If they call again ask them for a contact number so you can get your "credit". And it was quite fishy that the call came from the CS number. That's not an outbound number.

 

[aweber1nj]

It is definately a scam. I called VZW and they told me that someone has modified my account today (supposedly me), swapping two phones off my acct, and changing the contact email address at the very least. I'm still OTP with the "fraud dept" and we're going through it. Hopefully I can get everything back the way it was. Man, would I love to run-into the guys who pulled this on me.

NOTE: Apparently all someone usually needs is your name, billing address and last-4 to gain full access to your account with VZW on the phone. Do not give this info out, even though most of that is pretty innocous.

I had them put a "red flag" on the account to always ask for the account password and not accept anything else.

Final thought: as the old saying goes...if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! I'm glad I posted and you guys verified that it smelled fishy and prompted me to call.

-AJ

 

[anon(394005)]

Sounds like a classic example of social engineering. Best rule of thumb: unless YOU initiated the contact, never give out any type of personal information.

 

[aweber1nj]

It totally was. They new the script pretty well though. I didn't think about whether in the past I had called them or they had called me for any reasons, and asked exactly, "We need to verify the mailing address on the account." Which is typical of VZW (but yes, probably when YOU call THEM).

But in the end, yes, classic social engineering, and I fell for it. (Is there a "heel" emoticon?)

-AJ

BTW: They had swapped out all of my family's phones for BB Curves, changed the email address on the acct, and wait, you'll never believe this one...added International Dialing to all the phones. Shocker?

Now here's a thought: Even a legitimate customer calls and swaps out every phone (two droids and an iphone) for identical Curves, adds international dialing to all lines and switches the email to something entirely different. You're VZW and you don't ask for more security or verify by calling the registered home number or something?

 

[Jude526]

I am sorry this happened to you. And hopefully it will be nipped and no more issues.
Take it as a lesson learned and Verizon will make sure all is well. Requiring a password when talking to them is a wise decision.
You aren't the only person this has happened to and unfortunately you won't be the last.
I have had people try to scam me too but I reported it. When someone tells me my bank account has been frozen and they need my info to check into it......aaaaa I don't think so.

This is a valid reason why Verizon requires one main authorizer on a family plan. Anyone could call and cause havoc on the account. if the main person wants someone on the plan to be an authorized user then Verizon needs to be notified of the additional authorizer.
It is for the owner's protection and nothing more. Single lines are protected too. They always ask for my security number and am glad. I don't need someone trying to get into my account. No one does.
In the Phoenix area right now there are scams going on with APS and Salt River and customers need to be ware. So it happens everywhere. Just remember if you are in DOUBT of the caller and the questions they are asking............don't give out the information. Companies don't seek out their customers......I worked for a bank years ago.
Be proactive on your safety.