Cell phone Contacts
This lady has changed her habit of how she lists her names on her mobile phone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag, which contained her cell phone, credit card, wallet... etc... was stolen.
20 minutes later when she called her hubby, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, hubby says 'I received your text asking about our Pin number and I've replied a little while ago.'
When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn. The thief had actually used the stolen cell phone to text 'hubby' in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.
Moral of the lesson :
Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad, Mom, etc....
And very importantly, when Sensitive info is being asked through texts, CONFIRM by calling back.
Also, when you're being text by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them. If you don't reach them, be very careful about going places to meet 'family and friends' who text you.
PLEASE PASS THIS ON
Sharon - Another suggestion, you can use little pet names and sexy stuff like my wife and I do. But seriouly, I think your so right when it comes to texts, you don't know who's on the other line. Thanks for the post and don't forget to bring the groceries home honey.
Great tip about just using names Sherry. The ICE designation in case of emergency can identify who the key people are.
Wow Sherry. I have never heard of such a thing. I could certainly see how it could happen, but just have not heard it. I am shocked. I'm actually calling my wife now to tell her to NEVER reply to my text asking for personal information. That is crazy!
Oh my Gosh!! This need to be passed around to everyone.
The bank did return the money no?
Robert-If you don't quit calling me the wrong name, our relationship is just not going to go anywhere! We need groceries? What are you cooking?
Gary- I hope everyone has their In Case of Emergency (ICE) set up in their cell phone.
John & Marie- It is frustrating to know how many crooks are out there!
Nancy- I don't know the rest of the story (This wasn't me that it happened to.) But with banks and security camera's, and all that had to be dealt with, I would imagine they did. But, some banks have a limit, or a deductable amount. I don't want to loose anything to a criminal! Three agents I know, in the last year, have had their identity stolen. Total nightmare!
I guess there are as many ways to fleece someone as there are crooks.
As far as ID Theft, should consider Pre-Paid Legal/Identity Theft Protection (run by Kroll, the worlds leading ID company), not only for financial, but medical, and all 5 protections! Legal plans run about $17-$30, and the ID theft is $9.99 - $12.99, and that includes ALL in the family (spouse, ALL significant others living in the same home for at least 6 months, and kids under 18, and up to 21 if in college)
Gene- No kidding!
Ronald-Great Info!
It's the identity theft equivalent of texting while driving. I'm changing some of the labels in my phone. Thanks.
Mike in Tucson
Mike- You welcome! (Tell me that is not your auto!)
That's not my auto! Thank God!
Sherry - really sad to hear that happen to someone. Thanks for sharing and posting. It does make us more aware of just giving out info.