I wanted to warn folks here about a scam call I received on Friday allegedly from "Walmart." The call was taken by the Google Android screener, but left a message:
> *Hello! This is an automated message from the Walmart transaction monitoring team regarding recent transaction associated with this phone number.*
Yes, because we all know that the largest retail chain in America has a team of people watching transactions all day. Wouldn't this be associated with an *account* as opposed to a phone number?
> *Our system recorded the purchase for the amount of $6,050 for a LifeScan OneTouch Ultra blood glucose monitoring system. Your order reference number is 502390.*
I have type II diabetes. Six grand for a glucose meter? There is such a product and you can buy one directly from OneTouch for about $33, and about the same at any Walmart. Of course, there is the requisite "reference number" to make this seem a little legitimate.
> *If you did not authorize this transaction, or if you require any assistance? Please press one to speak to our customer service representative.*
Oddly, the call screener sensed a question in there. Are they telling me or asking me?
> *You may also call our support team at 92054-####. Again, the number is 92054-####. Thank you so much for your time!*
Wow, you're welcome! But that phone number...(masked)? How am I supposed to call you with only nine numbers?
Actually, when I listened to the recording, the voice does read out a 10-digit number, but for some reason the screener replaced it with a dash, twice.
Here's some additional things to mention:
* The caller ID on my phone displayed "Unassigned" for the number, but also showed "Chicago" as the origin location.
* Breaking down the phone number, the "920" area code is not in Chicago, but in Green Bay, Wisconsin, which is in the same general region of the U.S., but hundreds of miles apart.
* Though automated, the voice read the number in an odd way. When reading out a phone number, I believe most of us pause a bit after the area code. This voice just rattled off the string of numbers, which just sounded strange.
I don't know how widespread this scam attempt is, but be on watch for it.