'Covid-19 Passport' scam email

[oddoneout]

It's the way they claim to know all about you and then ask for your name.

But a version of that happens with bona fide exchanges - if I give details such as my account number (not bank!) when telephoning my broadband provider for instance I still have to go through a second layer of "security" checks which will include wanting my name,even though the person I'm speaking to has my details on screen, so I don't think that would necessarily present as a red flag to everyone.

[french frank]

But a version of that happens with bona fide exchanges - if I give details such as my account number (not bank!) when telephoning my broadband provider for instance I still have to go through a second layer of "security" checks which will include wanting my name,even though the person I'm speaking to has my details on screen, so I don't think that would necessarily present as a red flag to everyone.

That's if you telephone them. It's when they ring you to say they are renewing your Amazon Prime account or that you're due a refund on your income tax when they haven't even established who has picked up the phone.

[kernelbogey]

When phoning any organisation, I always ask for the name of the person I'm speaking to. If they give only a first name (fair enough, and probably policy) I ask what office they are based in. I believe that may sharpen up service.

[oddoneout]

That's if you telephone them. It's when they ring you to say they are renewing your Amazon Prime account or that you're due a refund on your income tax when they haven't even established who has picked up the phone.

I realise that but it doesn't alter what I said. After all many of us will have had experience of genuine calls where we have the farce of the caller needing to establish who has picked up and the person called wanting to know who's calling - which results in stalemate. That's why I reckon it isn't as much of a red flag as might otherwise be the case.

[Serial_Apologist]

I realise that but it doesn't alter what I said. After all many of us will have had experience of genuine calls where we have the farce of the caller needing to establish who has picked up and the person called wanting to know who's calling - which results in stalemate. That's why I reckon it isn't as much of a red flag as might otherwise be the case.

I always think just saying "Hello?" on picking up the phone to be the best course of action in these days, when revealing one's name can potentially unleash a pack of unknown unknowns.

[Old Grumpy]

I always think just saying "Hello?" on picking up the phone to be the best course of action in these days, when revealing one's name can potentially unleash a pack of unknown unknowns.

That's what I've done for a while. I don't give my name, rank or (phone) number if I don't recognise the caller's number.

In some cases where I suspect a scam call I actually just pick up the phone and wait. Often there is a faint click on the line, at which point I put the phone down.

[Petrushka]

That's what I've done for a while. I don't give my name, rank or (phone) number if I don't recognise the caller's number.

In some cases where I suspect a scam call I actually just pick up the phone and wait. Often there is a faint click on the line, at which point I put the phone down.

The best course of action is to have caller display and not even answer the phone if you don't recognise the number. Any genuine caller will leave a message. This way you never risk getting involved at all and that's by far the best policy.

[Old Grumpy]

The best course of action is to have caller display and not even answer the phone if you don't recognise the number. Any genuine caller will leave a message. This way you never risk getting involved at all and that's by far the best policy.

I often do that too. Sometimes I am expecting a call from someone or an organisation (e.g. a healthcare facility) and I may not know the number - I would answer it in those circumstances.

[DracoM]