Card Services Phone Call

I normally don’t write these kinds of posts, but I just got a phone call that could have really done some harm. I received a phone call from “Card Services”, saying that they could lower the interest rate on all my credit cards down to 6.9%. I pressed the button to speak with a representative, and the conversation went something like this:

Them: “We can lower your interest rates on all your cards”

Me: “Ok”

Them: “What is your average interest rate on all your cards”

Me: “I don’t know, probably around 8-9%”

Them: “What is the largest interest rate you are paying?”

Me: “About 16%”

Them: “Ok, well, what is the customer service phone number on the back of the card”

Me: “I don’t want to change the terms on the account”

Them: “We don’t change the terms on the account, only the interest rate”

Me: “Changing the interest rate IS changing the terms on the account. I’m planning on paying it off soon anyway.”

Them: “Enjoy your interest rates” (click)

The caller ID from these people is (407) 000-7777. Obviously, it is a faked caller ID. Please be careful and don’t give them any information. This sounds exactly like the scam mentioned here.

I suppose had I stayed on the phone, they would have asked for an account number and expiration date. Be very careful with people trying to change terms on an account over the phone. If you really want to lower your rates, call your credit card company directly and try to negotiate with their customer service dept.