It warrants repeating:
1. Never provide any information during contact you did not initiate (phone, email or otherwise),
2. NEVER click on anything in an email you received which proffers fraudulent activity or account status (email, bank, web commerce, etc.),
3. ALWAYS use ONLY the contact information YOU have in YOUR files (NOT the info in the letter/email/phone call) to verify your account status.
4. When in doubt, waiting won’t kill anyone: Contact a friend or relative BEFORE doing ANYTHING. Urgency or emotional appeal are RED FLAGS, as are requests for funds in advance.
It ain’t rocket science.
Some of the spam that hits a website contact form is fun to read. Good for a chuckle at some of what they come up with. Many are willing to give a lot of money away. lol
I have called people (like a hotel) and they call me back right away. “Okay - give me your VISA number and we can hold that room.”
I always hesitate, but then think “Okay - I left a message, they are calling back from the same number - it is probably okay.” (I hope!)