Question:
Collection agency scam trying to obtain SS#
We have had 3 cell phones since 1996. The entire bill is paid monthly
and we've never had any late payments. Originally we were with
Cellular One, but a year or so ago AT&T took over.
Today I had a message from:
1-800-343-2633, ext. 2237 (Kevin)
citing a case number.
When I called, he said I had a $100-plus phone bill with Cingular.
When I told him I was never with Cingular, he said, well, how about
Cellular One? He then asked me for the last 4 numbers of my husband's
social security number. He said we would be taken to court! I refused
to give the number to him and hung up. My husband called him back, and
used a lot more colorful language than I had.
We verified with AT&T that everything was cool with our account.
So, has anyone heard of this kind of thing and/or recognize the above
number? Perhaps they change it to avoid getting caught. Any ideas of
the correct place to report this?
Answer:
Welcome to the National Fraud Information Center
Address:http://www.fraud.org/welcome.htm
Sounds like collection agency tactics for trying to track someone
down. Could be for a different person or a mistaken bill, who knows!
Unfortunately most cellcos and telcos use a SS number for a credit
check or customer ID to protect _themselves_ from repeat deadbeat
customers. Every undercompensated, high turnover CS at a wireless
carrier can have access to SS numbers :(
I would error on the side of caution as you did.
Seems like a legitimate creditor could provide a mailed bill with a
specific cellular number and dates. If you have to, call the cellular
carriers billing dept yourself.
