Starhub Scam or Sales
I received a call yesterday which went a little like this:
(My ringtone goes off making me feel like Jack Bauer)
Starhub Muppet: Hello, is this Mr. Eshin?
Eshin: Yes, who is this?
Starhub Muppet: I’m calling from Starhub and this is in regards to your mobile number, 1234 5678. First of all did you receive the $500 gift voucher that we sent to you?
Eshin: Yes, I did. (I have no idea but I think I did. In any case, it’s tied to their contract plans to suck you in for another 20 years with severe penalties for early cancellation.)
Starhub Muppet: Okay, that is great. I wanted to talk to you about our contract plans since you haven’t redeemed our voucher yet. (Why would I turn down “free” money?!)
Eshin: It’s okay, I don’t want to be on a contract thanks.
Starhub Muppet: Oh, errr… (Now, definitely thinking I’m nuts). I understand (the book told him to say that, I’m sure). Okay, just to end this call, can I verify your FIN number?
Eshin: Huh? Why would I need to give you my FIN number. I’m not comfortable giving it to anyone.
Starhub Muppet: What if I just read the first digits and then you finish it off for me?
Eshin: Huh? Look…
Starhub Muppet: F123…?
Eshin: Look, I tell you what, you called me. I really don’t think I need to verify anything to get off the phone with you so have a nice day.
Starhub Muppet: Errr, okay sir. I understand. (Yeah, I’m sure you do)
So this conversation led me to two possible conclusions. Firstly, this was a Starhub employee and they have some really bad sales calls protocols in place. That is the first time I’ve had someone call me (rather than I call them), and then tell me in order to end the call I need to verify some sensitive information. There is something wrong with that.
Secondly, a more sinister and paranoid conclusion would be that this was someone trying to retrieve something from information fishing. To what end I don’t know but it would be nice if was because he was looking to pay my bill for me.
