Posted on 03/29/2011 4:00:12 PM PDT by FourtySeven
I thought I'd share this with you all, as some may benefit from this.
Today, I was called by Wells-Fargo's fraud protection department to let me know my online ID and password had been compromised.
Not only could they not tell me when exactly this occurred, or for what reason, but I was also told, I would have to run a full virus scan before they could restore my access. Now I could easily lie of course, although they make a point of saying that if an online scan truly was not performed, then they are not responsible for any unauthorized transactions. But all of this isn't the point.
I have a Macintosh, and I have never had a need to have anti-virus. From what I understand, it's impossible to get any kind of malware unless I knowingly download something, like a pirated movie or program, and purposely and knowingly install it on my computer. I have not done that. So the matter here is one of principle. I did NOT want to pay to get an antivirus program for a Mac, when it cannot POSSIBLY be my fault!
And even all of that wouldn't be such a big deal if I could know WHAT triggered this alert of "suspicious activity", so I could know what to avoid in the future. The only thing I've been doing in the last 72 hours is normal, Internet browsing. If this IS due to some kind of malware, how can I know where I got it? How can I know what site it came from??
If the antivirus program says I'm "clean", HOW can I trust that, when I thought I was "clean" BEFORE?
Now of course, what is going to happen is (as I write this now, a newly purchased antivirus program is running) I will find NO infection on my computer, and yet, have no sense of security as I will have NO idea what I did to compromise my online ID and password.
Since WHEN did Wells-Fargo get in the business of telling people what kind of online security they should have? Are they going to let themselves be held liable for any COMPUTER difficulty I may have now installing a program I didn't want?
Of course not. Just another stupid idea to enforce online security if you ask me. It's absolutely ridiculous and I WILL be canceling this card when I get the reward points off it.
Ping. I thought you may be interested, and I’d also like your input if possible.
Hopefully you did not give this caller any identifiable information like your name, address, e-mail address, access codes etc.
Call Wells Fargo yourself by using the number listed on the back of your card. Ask if they had an agent call you. No way do I ever listen to anyone calling me telling me that my credit card has been flagged!
These people where whom Harry Truman spoke of when he gave his famous “Bankers, now there’s a g-damned bunch of crooks for you.”
Almost makes you wanna root for the bad guys when the Wells Fargo stage gets held up in old Westerns.....
In this situation, you should ask for a number to call back and tell them you need to initiate the call. I did that when I received a call saying I owe money to my utility company and I could pay right away by giving my credit card number.
First of all, though, call a number you are sure is Wells Fargo and make sure that you were talking to someone from Wells Fargo the first time.
Are you sure it wasn’t a scam to get you to buy an anti-virus program?
Yes, of course, that is sound advice and strategy.
I did as you said. I was told what I posted above by the people I personally called. I called them; they did not call me the second time. That time is when they told me to get an antivirus program for a Mac and use it.
And yes, I verified I was called earlier.
Yes. I called them when I got home, to not only verify I was called legitimately by Wells-Fargo, but also to try to get an exact time and/or place as to when this suspicious activity occurred. The only thing they would tell me in that regard is that they were notified today by the fraud department. They would not tell me when the actual “suspicious” incident occurred.
WAIT! Call the number on your Well’s Fargo card. There are phising (it’s technical name) scams like this. They often even can provide you with the card number. I suggest you tread carefully, and call the provider, not take the word from someone anonymous over the phone. (They’re not anonymous if you call their established, professional number). And remember, they NEVER need to ask for your number, EVER. And NEVER give out your cvv number (the 3 digit number on the back of the card) Issuers (the bank), has this on file and will NEVER ask for it.
I would call Wells Fargo before I did anything.
You are suppose to know your password and they aren’t suppose to know. Only you.
the mac os is very unsecure. It’s just not been worth exploting it untill now. The newer versions snow leopard, lion have av built in. Google the phone that wells-f called you on, that should give you a heads up on if the call was a fraud.
I have had 2 calls recently saying “your debit card has been compromised”. Area code was from Utah and no identity on caller ID. Needless to say, as the above post said , don’t give anything over the phone to a caller unless you are absolutely sure who it is. better if you call your branch bank.
Did they tell you which program you had to buy? Did you have to provide some evidence to them that you ran the scan? Could you have used a free virus scanner?
Dont call. Go into a branch and sit down with one of the customer service people at the desks.
My guess is that your card has not been compromised, but rather someone was “phishing” you for information. And you cannot blame the bank for that.
Sometimes when I am traveling I will get a call from a credit card that hasn’t been used in a long time—and then its used 2,000 miles away from home—and they want to verify that I am traveling. I dont see that as an intrusion, I see it as a benefit.
If your card HAD been compromised, it is the policy of most banks to cancel the card immediately. No exceptions, no exclusions. So, that is why I think someone else was yanking your chain.
Banks just don’t do the type of stuff you are describing. The last thing Wells Fargo is going to do is call you about that.
Don’t shoot the banker before you get the full story. Sit with an agent and keep asking questions until you understand.
They never tell you who it is; but I would call them.
Yes, I called the 800 number to verify this was real. It is. Everything in my OP is real.
And yes, THIS is what is strange. I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out WHAT I did, and I can’t figure it out. I never use that card.
Sounds like someone used that card.
If you have online banking and someone has used your account; it will show.
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