i recently got a phone call on my cell phone from somebody that has a number of 2153. they claim they're from the government through bank of america and wish to send me a check of 1500 that's "mine." i tried to cut her off as another solicitation call and she insisted that she was not calling to sell anything. the 1500 was mine from taxes and all i needed to do was provide some information. this was sketchy so i ended it there with a give me a call back later. has anybody ever heard of this ploy?
2007-12-29 05:49:07 · 8 answers · asked by icomeanons 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
Never heard of it, but sounds like a textbook scam to me. Never provide your ss# or bank account # to anyone without being sure who it is.
2007-12-29 05:52:13 · answer #1 · answered by redwine 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yup, it's a scam.
Think about if for a moment. First of all, since when does the government work through Bank of America? Secondly, why would they owe you this $1500, and why wouldn't they just send it to you if it was really the government - they have your address from your tax return. Third, they called on your cell phone? Now that just doesn't make sense either.
2007-12-29 11:28:36 · answer #2 · answered by Judy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Weekly.
I haven't gotten the calls, but I regularly talk to people who fell for them. The lure of $1500 was too much and they handed over their financial enough information for their financial identity to be stolen. If you give your name, account information, ssn, pin, etc, they will empty your bank account.
Other variations of the scam include sending you a very slick, but fake check. They'll tell you that taxes couldn't be held out, but that you need to pay them immediately by sending x% to an "IRS agent" who can only accept the money via Western Union. (The IRS doesn't work this way!). The check will appear to cash (due to your bank history), but when it bounces the bank will want all of their money back.
2007-12-29 06:23:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This sounds like many similar scams. Banks do not call you and ask you to give personal information on the phone. You did right to end the conversation without giving out any personal information.
2007-12-29 05:54:33 · answer #4 · answered by Janet A 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
SCAM; that is why you should never use your cell phone to give out your personal information, especially if you are out in the public, someone could be writing down all your information such as social security number, driver license number home address etc. A cell phone is not a secure line.
2007-12-29 12:20:43 · answer #5 · answered by Ms. Angel.. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely a scam, here's a link if you're interested, that provides many links to resources for looking into any unclaimed (escheat) property, including but not limited to tax refunds. http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa100399.htm
2007-12-29 05:58:10 · answer #6 · answered by LoFlo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a scam. Do not play.
2007-12-30 09:00:01 · answer #7 · answered by Gary 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HOAX! BEWARE!
2007-12-29 06:06:05 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋