I received a fantastic offer in the mail with no visible postmark anywhere on the stamp. Attached was a plastic card which appeared to be a "credit card" with my name imprinted thereon. The alarm bells went off in my head when I read that I had been extended $6,500 credit.
I called the 800 number listed on the letter and was asked by a friendly salesman if I would like to "activate" this card, and was offered an extra $2,000 credit if I did so today. I played along and said yes. I asked if the company had a website, and he said no, the company liked to do business "the old-fashioned way." Then the man wanted to know if I have a checking account. Again I said yes.
He spoke rapidly, rattled of a list of "benefits" and explained that there would be "no interest ever, " and that I could also obtain a second card which would allow me to obtain "cash on demand." He then said, "You've heard of Allstate? Our cash advances are through them." This of course would mislead many people to think he was referring to Allstate Bank and/or Allstate Insurance, which are legitimate.
Then he went for the kill and asked for my banking information and Social Security number, explaining that membership fees would be deducted automatically. I did not give these to him, and ended the call then and there.
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