Thank you for using Neighbourly
Hi everyone! Email, Text, and phonecall scams are now common, usually a fake computer company/internet company call claiming you have a virus, and of course, ALL are scams, no exception.
So it's worth warning people when one that's a bit different turns up.
Today I received a fake … View moreHi everyone! Email, Text, and phonecall scams are now common, usually a fake computer company/internet company call claiming you have a virus, and of course, ALL are scams, no exception.
So it's worth warning people when one that's a bit different turns up.
Today I received a fake VISA card phonecall scam, I haven't had one of those in ages. So some international scammer is trying it on again, and most people in NZ can probably expect to get a call like this sooner or later before they are stopped, or move on to target another country.
If you don't want to read further, here is the short answer:
IT'S ALWAYS (AND I MEAN ALWAYS!!) A SCAM.
If there is an issue with a credit card transaction, You call your own bank yourself when an expected payment doesn't go through.
You do not call VISA directly, and they don't call you directly.
If there is suspicious payment lodged, the credit card company or bank simply suspend it. If you are a business and the sum is large, an account manager from your bank may get in contact but this is easily verified by asking their name and section, and that you will hang up and then call the bank yourself, via their number in the phone book, to get back in touch with an account manager.
Ok, about today's scam call. It started with an almost believable high quality recorded message but if you have caller ID on your house phone, you can see that the number is clearly an international one, which is the first hint that it's most likely a scam.
(Note: not always the case: some scammers go the extra mile to fake a Caller ID that matches the expected range of the country they are targeting). This caller ID was 0190019161583230, clearly not within NZ.
The fake call is automated to start with - a prerecorded, english-speaking professional sounding voice says that it is VISA calling, and they have intercepted some suspicious transactions on your visa account, being Amazon and iTunes Gift Card purchases for several hundred dollars, and that they have stopped the transactions as you have not made a purchase from these sites before.
- To someone not used to phone scams, especially older folk, this may sound genuine - it's almost plausible, given that criminals do make online purchases using stolen credit card numbers.
The main thing that you should ask yourself is: why is "VISA" contacting you on your home phone number? instead of your local Bank? and the automated system does not ask for any proof that you are the card holder (amongst any of several people who may be living in the house?) able to make a decision to "reject or accept" charges? No name or account number is mentioned in this automated section, yet they tell you of two supposed specific charges on your account.
The voice then offers you two choices - to reject or accept the purchases (and by now, the worried victim would normally reject them).
Having "taken the bait", the system then says it will switch you to "an operator" and we are off! It bumps through two or more call system handovers, until you get a typical Indian sub-continent call centre, where the operator pauses to check their screen about which scam they are answering, before saying "VISA here, how may I help you" which no-one in a real VISA help desk would say.
I then asked politely if he could prove that he really was VISA and this was not a scam. He hung up after saying that if I "think it is a scam then he will not waste his time with me" (gosh, so genuine! HAHA)
(Note: some call centres have a script prepared to answer this question, so don't be fooled, IT'S ALWAYS A SCAM).
Final Note: Best option is to hang up immediately. Remember, IT'S ALWAYS A SCAM.
But if you are like me, and curious to check out which sort of scam it is this time (and tie up an operator for a while, reducing the number of people they'll scam that day) you should always be polite - you'll get further stilted responses trying to get your details or to log onto a website somewhere, and if you are careful not to reveal ANY of your true name or details, you can string them along with fake details for a while before they twig that you are baiting them!
It does no good to you and your blood pressure to abuse the operator, as they are usually working for $1/hour for nasty bosses in call centre sweatshops, and will either hang up straight away, or occasionally, lose their rag and abuse you back!
STAY SAFE EVERYONE!
Good evening,
Help us reach our target of 20 orders and place an order in for fresh fruit and veg before this Monday at midnight. Orders are $15 each for pick up Thursday 18 March. Multiple orders welcome.
This is what we anticipate will be in this weeks order:
Kumara small
… View moreGood evening,
Help us reach our target of 20 orders and place an order in for fresh fruit and veg before this Monday at midnight. Orders are $15 each for pick up Thursday 18 March. Multiple orders welcome.
This is what we anticipate will be in this weeks order:
Kumara small
Broccoli
Carrots small
Cabbage
Mandarin
Pears Packham
Nectarine
Ordering/payment instructions are attached to this message.
AWAPUNI VEGE HUB ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS new.pdf Download View
Have you noticed your sliding door has become sticky and resistant to movement? ?♀️?♂️
This is usually due to the accumulation of dirt, oil and other debris that has been trapped in the door track. So... how do you clean the sliding door tracks? We have the solution!
?Click the link … View moreHave you noticed your sliding door has become sticky and resistant to movement? ?♀️?♂️
This is usually due to the accumulation of dirt, oil and other debris that has been trapped in the door track. So... how do you clean the sliding door tracks? We have the solution!
?Click the link below and follow Exceed expert's recommendations!
The Exceed we fix windows & doors team
Refresh a retro coffee table without losing its character with a touch of colour and Resene Aquaclear.
Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how you can refresh your old table.
I lent a ladder to a friend Bruce Crawford now I need it urgently and I dont know his address could someone please help me.
Crossroads Early Childhood Centre are holding a Garage Sale on Saturday 20th March, 2021 at 220 Church St, Palmerston North starting at 8am until 11am.
Saturday 13 March, 8.30am. 4 Heatley Avenue, Hokowhitu. General household items, moving house.
Hi guys was wondering if anyone woulf have a fridge freezer they no longer need please cant afford one atm
Grab your whānau, friends and neighbours and join Neighbourhood Support Palmerston North for two Fundraiser Film Nights at Focal Point Cinema and Cafe.
Tickets are limited so get in touch today to save your seat.
Check out some recent before and after pictures - the smelly mould is completely gone, the curtains are now sanitary again (and A LOT better looking!)
Looking for an activity that you or your family can do together this winter?
Try Indoor Bowls
Russel Street club meets on Tuesday evenings and Russel Street School from 7:30 to 9:30pm.
Ring Rodger Scoones for more information. 3551791
Hi everyone, hope you are all having a great day! I stumbled across this music video that my partner Erick and his two friends Richard and Darren made some years ago. This is a song they wrote about remembering the good old days. It even made it to tv when C4 was around, if anyone remembers that… View moreHi everyone, hope you are all having a great day! I stumbled across this music video that my partner Erick and his two friends Richard and Darren made some years ago. This is a song they wrote about remembering the good old days. It even made it to tv when C4 was around, if anyone remembers that channel. Just thought I would share it with you all. Hope you enjoy. Erick is in the process of writing another song which is completely different to this one. It is more the Elvis/ Roy Orbison style which he does so well. Will post that too once it is done. In the meantime hope you enjoy this happy little sing a long. 😁
www.youtube.com...
You've got the best of both worlds here, a character home in a great location - 235 Park Road, Hokowhitu
This 1920's cottage is truly unique with two living areas that flow easily between one another.
Don't miss this opportunity to scoop up a property in the Hokowhitu location at a … View moreYou've got the best of both worlds here, a character home in a great location - 235 Park Road, Hokowhitu
This 1920's cottage is truly unique with two living areas that flow easily between one another.
Don't miss this opportunity to scoop up a property in the Hokowhitu location at a realistic price.
$ave with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpapers, decorating accessories and cleaning products!
Come in and see us and get all the advice you need for your projects. Whether you need help choosing colours, deciding which products to use, or what prep is … View more$ave with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpapers, decorating accessories and cleaning products!
Come in and see us and get all the advice you need for your projects. Whether you need help choosing colours, deciding which products to use, or what prep is required, Resene staff can help you every step of the way.
Resene products are designed and made in NZ and have been since Resene started in Wellington over 75 years ago.
Come in and get inspired to make the most of your home.
NZ's largest fun run goes virtual! Join us for the first-ever Ports of Auckland Round the Backyard - it’s a way for us all to band together while keeping safe in our own backyards.
You can walk, jog or run your own 8.4km course wherever you want - whether it be in your own backyard, … View moreNZ's largest fun run goes virtual! Join us for the first-ever Ports of Auckland Round the Backyard - it’s a way for us all to band together while keeping safe in our own backyards.
You can walk, jog or run your own 8.4km course wherever you want - whether it be in your own backyard, neighbourhood or a nearby park.
There will be live leaderboards, an interactive course map and participant places in real-time, so you can have healthy rivalry between friends – all via a handy app!
Wanna learn more? Head to our website www.roundthebays.co.nz
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
