Don't believe all that you read !

10-01-03 by Nita Holstine

I opened an email the other day saying that my credit card account had been charged $ 123.65. Please verify or dispute. Yes, I opened it and sure enough, the first thing they want is my credit card number. There was no transaction in dispute and there could have even been a few people who actually sent in their valid number. Don't ever do that !

Another message received stated that I had been accused of a horrible online crime and was suspect by some agency. But to read it through, there was only vague implications. No allegation at all, just reply with your current email and we'll work this out. Sounds like blackmail for something someone might be guilty of. Doesn't really make a lot of sense. But you will notice the point where they know nothing about you, it is only implied.

Do you give out your most personal of identifying information just to see if you can get a free credit report? These people are strangers representing an imaginary company. It is the same with getting quotes on vehicle and home insurance. You are giving your most sensitive info for something you will probably not get a better price for. I had called Progressive one time, like the ads say to get a better price and quotes from other companies. The fellow laughed at me and asked why I was calling, said that I was already getting a very good rate and that there were no other companies in our area. I did find the best rate by calling our local representative and they could get any and all company rates. I never give an offensive company a second chance.