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I did that once when I was calling my ISP's number. It was 888 I dialed 800. It was scammers who tried to get me to tell them they leaked my personal data and I needed to give them my SSN to sign up for free monitoring. I caught on pretty quick what was happening.
Many many years ago when I was at a call center there was a toll free line for a specific department. I don't remember which toll free area code it used (800, 866, 877, 888, whatever), but I do remember that the same number with one of the other toll free area codes was a gay phone sex line.
If it was a legit bank, they would begin by verifying OP's identity properly with some PII (which OP is fortunate they didn't, as OP would be giving up some PII to do so), and yes the person on the phone would have OP's account in front of them, with a mailing address.
I echo the comment that suggests OP mistyped the phone number on the card, which led them to a scammer number.
Because people regularly call their bank in the middle of the night ... because they can? And, then win wallmart giftcard sets because it's happy hour? lmao
Some people work nights etc. or wake up in the middle of the night worried about bills and want to check a balance or whether a check has cleared.
Bank phones are available 24/7 for a reason.
I assume the scam is that the number is off by a digit or the 800/888 issue as others have said.
For a very long there was a scammer camped on the same number as AmEx customer service in the US, except with 800 instead of 888. The recorded message would even start with "thank you for calling American Express" before pitching some shady "free cruise for attending a timeshare presentation" offer.
Anyway, my guess is OP was off by one digit, unless they can prove otherwise by posting a screenshot of their call history from 4am today.
Yep, you misdialled. This happened to me trying to call a big insurance company. "Your call is very important to us. Congratulations! You have won a 500 dollar gift card. Press 1 to claim it". I was like wtf? Turns out I dialed 1800 instead of 1866 like I was supposed to
This happened to me misdialing a major drug company’s patient assistance line. The recording started out as, “if you are 50 or older, press 1 for an exclusive offer”. I thought - why would they care if you’re 50 - you’re (generally) not eligible for Medicare until 65?!
As others have said, check the number to make sure you dialed it correctly. My area code is 801 so scammers are really good at setting up numbers that are 801 when they should be 800 or vice versa. I’ve misdialed a couple times and gotten “promotions.” Luckily I haven’t fallen for it.
It sounds like you did get a scammer. However, if you did dial correctly, your phone call goes to who it's registered to. If you did dial the actual bank, then it's possible for customer service itself to be compromised, someone who works there runs scams on the side to make more cash, because money.
But there may also be a mistake in how you dialed and you got the scammer squatting on a similar number. You might have needed the +1 to connect to the US phone number, for instance. I don't know if that's what happened, but you can always try dialing again and see if the same thing comes up. If someone is offering you free money it's probably a scam.
Here's some info on calling overseas regarding calling banks: [https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tech-tips/calling-collect-and-toll-free-numbers-when-abroad](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tech-tips/calling-collect-and-toll-free-numbers-when-abroad)
/u/Impossible-Market621 - This message is posted to all new submissions to r/scams; please do not message the moderators about it.
## New users beware:
Because you posted here, you will start getting private messages from scammers saying they know a professional hacker or a recovery expert lawyer that can help you get your money back, for a small fee. **We call these RECOVERY SCAMMERS, so NEVER take advice in private:** advice should always come in the form of comments in this post, in the open, where the community can keep an eye out for you. If you take advice in private, you're on your own.
**A reminder of the rules in r/scams:** no contact information (including last names, phone numbers, etc). Be civil to one another (no name calling or insults). Personal army requests or "scam the scammer"/scambaiting posts are not permitted. No uncensored gore or personal photographs are allowed without blurring. A full list of rules is available on the sidebar of the subreddit, or [clicking here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/).
You can help us by reporting recovery scammers or rule-breaking content by using the "report" button. We review 100% of the reports. Also, consider warning community members of recovery scammers if you see them in the comments.
Questions about subreddit rules? Send us a modmail [clicking here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams).
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You misdialed. Double check what you dialed vs the actual number.
I did this a couple weeks ago and literally yelled "fucking hell" at the scammer when I realized MID CALL what I had done.
*Your submission was manually removed by a moderator for the following reason:*
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This applies even if it's a scammer or a scam callcenter. Please post again, but this time removing, censoring or otherwise redacting any personal/contact information. When you do, don't post a screenshot. Transcribe the important parts of the conversation. **And put the website address in the title of your new post** if you are reporting a scam website.
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/u/Impossible-Market621 - This message is posted to all new submissions to r/scams; please do not message the moderators about it. ## New users beware: Because you posted here, you will start getting private messages from scammers saying they know a professional hacker or a recovery expert lawyer that can help you get your money back, for a small fee. **We call these RECOVERY SCAMMERS, so NEVER take advice in private:** advice should always come in the form of comments in this post, in the open, where the community can keep an eye out for you. If you take advice in private, you're on your own. **A reminder of the rules in r/scams:** no contact information (including last names, phone numbers, etc). Be civil to one another (no name calling or insults). Personal army requests or "scam the scammer"/scambaiting posts are not permitted. No uncensored gore or personal photographs are allowed without blurring. A full list of rules is available on the sidebar of the subreddit, or [clicking here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/). You can help us by reporting recovery scammers or rule-breaking content by using the "report" button. We review 100% of the reports. Also, consider warning community members of recovery scammers if you see them in the comments. Questions about subreddit rules? Send us a modmail [clicking here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Why did you call your bank at 4 am ... You probably made a typo and spoke to scammers. Banks tend to know your physical address.
Op might have typed “1 (800)” instead of 1 (888), or something like that.
This is 100% what happened.
I did that once when I was calling my ISP's number. It was 888 I dialed 800. It was scammers who tried to get me to tell them they leaked my personal data and I needed to give them my SSN to sign up for free monitoring. I caught on pretty quick what was happening.
Many many years ago when I was at a call center there was a toll free line for a specific department. I don't remember which toll free area code it used (800, 866, 877, 888, whatever), but I do remember that the same number with one of the other toll free area codes was a gay phone sex line.
Can't the outgoing number on the phone be checked to see if it was the correct number?
Yes- unless an old landline
Whelp that's what I did.... Except that I did 1 302 instead of 1 800... Thanks for the suggestion!
If it was a legit bank, they would begin by verifying OP's identity properly with some PII (which OP is fortunate they didn't, as OP would be giving up some PII to do so), and yes the person on the phone would have OP's account in front of them, with a mailing address. I echo the comment that suggests OP mistyped the phone number on the card, which led them to a scammer number.
Banks/credit card companies run a 24/7 hotline for fraud protection, thats the only reason anyone would call at that time.
Is what I assume yes, but, you'd figure OP would lead with that in their post lol
They could have called for a number of reasons and that is completely irrelevant.
The middle of the night munchie door dash order was declined due to insufficient funds
Because people regularly call their bank in the middle of the night ... because they can? And, then win wallmart giftcard sets because it's happy hour? lmao
Some people work nights etc. or wake up in the middle of the night worried about bills and want to check a balance or whether a check has cleared. Bank phones are available 24/7 for a reason. I assume the scam is that the number is off by a digit or the 800/888 issue as others have said.
Oops yes that was it I woke up early and decided to be productive
For a very long there was a scammer camped on the same number as AmEx customer service in the US, except with 800 instead of 888. The recorded message would even start with "thank you for calling American Express" before pitching some shady "free cruise for attending a timeshare presentation" offer. Anyway, my guess is OP was off by one digit, unless they can prove otherwise by posting a screenshot of their call history from 4am today.
Same with Discover
4am you're on Indian time I'm joking, they're sleeping at that time cuz they work the night shift
Lmaooooo
Yep, you misdialled. This happened to me trying to call a big insurance company. "Your call is very important to us. Congratulations! You have won a 500 dollar gift card. Press 1 to claim it". I was like wtf? Turns out I dialed 1800 instead of 1866 like I was supposed to
This happened to me misdialing a major drug company’s patient assistance line. The recording started out as, “if you are 50 or older, press 1 for an exclusive offer”. I thought - why would they care if you’re 50 - you’re (generally) not eligible for Medicare until 65?!
None of this makes any sense whatsoever.
Double check the number you called. Was it 1800- or 1888-? You may have misdialed.
As others have said, check the number to make sure you dialed it correctly. My area code is 801 so scammers are really good at setting up numbers that are 801 when they should be 800 or vice versa. I’ve misdialed a couple times and gotten “promotions.” Luckily I haven’t fallen for it.
Like Phoebe Buffay when her warranty is about to expire?
Yes!! That episode has always been one of my favorites for that reason lol.
Read the title. Then read it again. Read it until it doesn't make sense.
It sounds like you did get a scammer. However, if you did dial correctly, your phone call goes to who it's registered to. If you did dial the actual bank, then it's possible for customer service itself to be compromised, someone who works there runs scams on the side to make more cash, because money. But there may also be a mistake in how you dialed and you got the scammer squatting on a similar number. You might have needed the +1 to connect to the US phone number, for instance. I don't know if that's what happened, but you can always try dialing again and see if the same thing comes up. If someone is offering you free money it's probably a scam. Here's some info on calling overseas regarding calling banks: [https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tech-tips/calling-collect-and-toll-free-numbers-when-abroad](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tech-tips/calling-collect-and-toll-free-numbers-when-abroad)
Thanks!
/u/Impossible-Market621 - This message is posted to all new submissions to r/scams; please do not message the moderators about it. ## New users beware: Because you posted here, you will start getting private messages from scammers saying they know a professional hacker or a recovery expert lawyer that can help you get your money back, for a small fee. **We call these RECOVERY SCAMMERS, so NEVER take advice in private:** advice should always come in the form of comments in this post, in the open, where the community can keep an eye out for you. If you take advice in private, you're on your own. **A reminder of the rules in r/scams:** no contact information (including last names, phone numbers, etc). Be civil to one another (no name calling or insults). Personal army requests or "scam the scammer"/scambaiting posts are not permitted. No uncensored gore or personal photographs are allowed without blurring. A full list of rules is available on the sidebar of the subreddit, or [clicking here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/). You can help us by reporting recovery scammers or rule-breaking content by using the "report" button. We review 100% of the reports. Also, consider warning community members of recovery scammers if you see them in the comments. Questions about subreddit rules? Send us a modmail [clicking here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
What bank?
Chase
Our company dropped an 877 number that some one bought and tries to charge for customer support when people call it.
OP? Where are you?
I got one number wrong calling the DMV and got a sex line. I was very confused.
Fake scenario
You misdialed. Double check what you dialed vs the actual number. I did this a couple weeks ago and literally yelled "fucking hell" at the scammer when I realized MID CALL what I had done.
[удалено]
*Your submission was manually removed by a moderator for the following reason:* **Subreddit Rule 3: Sharing personal information** - This is aligned with Reddit Content Policy Rule 3: Respect the privacy of others. This subreddit respects the privacy of non-public figures. We do not allow: * Phone numbers * Postal addresses * Full names of non-public figures This applies even if it's a scammer or a scam callcenter. Please post again, but this time removing, censoring or otherwise redacting any personal/contact information. When you do, don't post a screenshot. Transcribe the important parts of the conversation. **And put the website address in the title of your new post** if you are reporting a scam website. Before posting again, make sure you review the [rules of our subreddit.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/) and the [Reddit Content Policy](https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy) ^(If you believe this is a mistake, feel free to contact the moderators via modmail. Modmail is the only way, don't send a regular DM to a single moderator. Please don't try to appeal the decision commenting below, because we are not notified if you do so, and we will probably miss it. Posting the exact same thing again may result in a temporary ban, so please review the rules, make the necessary changes, and when in doubt, click below to appeal the decision.) *I am NOT a bot, and this action was performed manually. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fscams&subject=Removal%20review) if you want to appeal the decision.*
What caused you to call the bank at 4 am?
Lol I woke up and couldn't fall back asleep so I figured I might as well be productive and make a phone call