Normally I read about the "Stupid Criminal" stories and shake my head. Tonight I'm writing one and am ready to rip somebody's head off.
Last night I spent several hours online with Hewlett-Packard's customer service, trying to fix my grouchy printer. I have to say the customer service rep was very thorough, patient and eventually determined that it may be a cartridge problem. So, since the cartridge is brand new and therefore still under warranty, he arranged to send one to us. Yippee!
Yeah, until tonight at supper when the phone rings. And it's somebody wanting me, by first name, and completely failing miserably at pronouncing it. (Sometimes having a unique spelling does help weed out the solicitors, *grin*, but she mangled it so badly that I honestly didn't think it was a derivation of my name in any of its androgynous forms. She finally attempted the last name and got it close enough that I figured they were shooting for my name.) Supposedly she was calling from HP, they sent us a black ink cartridge, yeah, yeah, and???
"Well, we need to confirm your credit card number so we can get that out to you."
*snort* *sputter* *gag* Excuuuuuuuse me?
Shyah, ok, primer on the term "warranty" for ya. That indicates you're shipping it at your cost, not mine. You're not getting my credit card number. *snort* Thanks, though.
"We need it for security."
*literally laughing in this gal's face* Yeah, I'm sure you do, and security is exactly why I'm not giving it to you!
"OK, fine. Good-bye." And she hung up.
Jackass.
However, this little foray into the world of the intellectually hindered is a strong reminder that while the moron making the call may not be smart enough to walk her way out of an ampitheater, somebody was smart enough to hack something, somewhere. *sigh*
Of course, nobody at Verizon is available to help me track down the call. Nobody at Hewlett-Packard is available to field questions or concerns. Thanks, guys! (I know, not their fault. I'm grumpy.)
SO, just a friendly reminder- keep your passwords secure, don't give our pertinent information over the internet, or on the phone. And certainly never share information with someone who has phoned you!
ARGH. I'm going to play Chinese Checkers with the boys. I'll be back to blog a real blog later.
Kiss those babies!
~Dy
1 comment:
First to Wendy, I'm another Math U See lover. It's great!
Second, Dy, they don't even have to run some fake scam to get your card #. Apparently while Bud and I were running around like crazy chickens building the shop, someone was in Las Vegas having a great time with our credit card. They actually MADE a card with our number on it and charged over $950 at Walmart! Then they tried to use it at Lowe's, but got stopped by the credit card company. They got away clean with the Walmart loot,though. Stupid criminals. Not so stupid. Too bad they can't put their brains and initiative to better use, eh?
Post a Comment