USAA Scam

We had a phone call from a 1-800 number, as a matter of fact it was 1-800-272-9440. Now along with that we also got a text that read,

So I replied No! That's when we got a call from 1-800-272-9440 and a text telling us to call that number right away. After a quick check of all our cards we realized we didn't have any that ended in 9867. So I did some research and found out this is a scam. One lady in Florida, Jackie Almendares, lost nearly $60,000.00 after she gave out her information, thinking she was talking to USAA.

Here is a link to and article from Military.com about the scam: http://paycheck-chronicles.military.com/2011/11/05/warning-new-phishing-scam-targets-usaa-members/

Here's the way it works. You get a text like we did, you reply No like I did, then you either call the number listed or get a call from them. By this time you're so freaked out you don't think about being scammed. Your thoughts are getting the fraud on the card stopped. By the time you get on the phone you're willing to give out what ever information needed to the official sounding person on the line. That's how they rip you off, not from the made up fraudulent charges they said you have, but on you giving them your info.

Here's what you can do. Take time and breathe, now that we know these scams are happening it's time to fight back. Be careful if you call, because they will try and convince you it's not a scam. I called and asked them how they felt knowing each day they go to work at a job where they knowingly rip off people. The scammer was speechless, he didn't know what to say. It was fun to bust him, not that it will stop them.

If you want to call and yell at them 1-800-272-9440 is still a valid number and you will reach a real person.

Kevin Mee