Today my mum and I both received phone calls from phone numbers that were just one number different from ours. I missed one call and later called it back. A guy answered and said he never called me. Hours later this number called again. When we answered them it was an automated recording telling us we qualified for credit cards and/or a program that would lower the interest rate of our current credit cards. Something just didn’t add up so I called AT&T.
They said there is a big problem with hackers right now who are able to make calls and make it look like it’s coming from an authentic number. It’s called “phishing” and “spoofing”. AT&T has been aware of this for a while now. They have tightened their security on EVERY customer’s account and law enforcement has been working with them closely to put an end to this.
Something she made me aware of is that some hackers are able to make their number show up as “611” which is AT&T customer service. Then they are asking customers to verify their account by giving them their passcode and last four of their social!!!!!!!! PLEASE DONT DO THIS!! The lady I spoke with today said AT&T would NEVER call you to verify your account and ask for that kind of information. SO PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!!
There is also a new form of hacking through text messages, called “smishing”. The hackers monitor the websites you visit and then send you a text with a deal or special to visit that website. When you click on the link the site may look like an authentic website, but the second you make a purchase.... they have your information!!!
PLEASE BE CAREFUL EVERYONE. I’m not trying to scare anyone... I just wanted to make others aware of how serious this issue is right now!!! Keep your personal information secure!!!