So I got a call on my mobile phone today. It was an automated text-to-speech voice telling me my MasterCard had been canceled for online purchases. It then provided me with a 1-800 number to call to reactivate. Naturally, I was suspicious, and wasn’t about to provide any information, except to my bank directly.
It turns out that the 1-800 number just played an advertisement for 30 seconds about refinancing my mortgage, and hung up! I’m guessing there are also people using this scheme to try to get your personal information.
So, if you get a call like this, make sure that it is from a person. Your credit card company or bank won’t use an automated system, and they’ll call you about suspicious charges if they’re happening. Additionally, only ever call the 1-800 number on the back of your card to discuss matters about the account.