Are HSBC really calling me?

[derelyth]

Hi all,

Since Monday I've had a few calls from 08000 304 909. Naturally, I did not answer the phone (partly as I was in a Lecture) as I did not recognise the 0800 number. When I got the chance, I googled it and came across some confusing and contradictory information. It is apparently an "overseas call centre" who ask for security details to confirm who you are and then give various reasons for the call.

Some say it is genuine HSBC, cold-calling to try and up-sell.

Some say it isn't HSBC at all and is a phishing scam.

I have not answered as I am unsure, however I only registered the Online Banking info and received the welcome pack and Cheque/PI Books within the last week so it all seems a bit coincidental.

Can anyone confirm whether or not this is genuine? I am planning on going into my local branch when I get the chance and will probably mention it to them (as well as the whole Debit Card fiasco!)

Many thanks,

Karl

 

[Mpg]

I enjoy those kind of phone calls

Hello can you confirm your date of birth

Yes

Well sir can you confirm it

Yes

Sir whats your date of birth

I'm not telling you, I can confirm it because i know it. If you are who you say you are then you will have it on file. Then you tell me my D.O.B and i will confirm it. You have asked if i can confirm not give a total stranger my DOB.

They usually go away then

 

[derelyth]

I probably will answer it now, do a bit of investigation and then complain to HSBC. The times they have called me have been really random, first was 10am, yesterday was 3pm then today at 1pm. All times at which I have been too busy to take the call regardless.

 

[papverpoppies]

Hi all,

Since Monday I've had a few calls from 08000 304 909. Naturally, I did not answer the phone (partly as I was in a Lecture) as I did not recognise the 0800 number. When I got the chance, I googled it and came across some confusing and contradictory information. It is apparently an "overseas call centre" who ask for security details to confirm who you are and then give various reasons for the call.

Some say it is genuine HSBC, cold-calling to try and up-sell.

Some say it isn't HSBC at all and is a phishing scam.

I have not answered as I am unsure, however I only registered the Online Banking info and received the welcome pack and Cheque/PI Books within the last week so it all seems a bit coincidental.

Can anyone confirm whether or not this is genuine? I am planning on going into my local branch when I get the chance and will probably mention it to them (as well as the whole Debit Card fiasco!)

Many thanks,

Karl

I get this number a lot, and never ring it back.

If they really need to contact you, they leave a message, or write to you.

Usually this number is when they want to sell you one of their products, ie Insurance etc etc.

Poppy

 

[Dominic Taylor]

This is getting more common - the reason is because the scammers already have your other details and just need a couple more (eg mother's maiden name, DOB) to pass identity/3DSecure questions. Never answer any unsolicited calls from banks who ask to give details, as they have them right there if they're legit.

 

[derelyth]

This is getting more common - the reason is because the scammers already have your other details and just need a couple more (eg mother's maiden name, DOB) to pass identity/3DSecure questions. Never answer any unsolicited calls from banks who ask to give details, as they have them right there if they're legit.

I don't know if that is possible in this case, I've only had the details myself for about a week. I have thougth about it and don't think I'll answer. If it comes to it I'll go into my branch and complain.

 

[Gillie]

Yep its the HSBC ... and when you answer the phone, you will be asked to confirm who they are speaking to - a necessity as they can't start asking someone else in the place for personal information after all ... they will then provide you with part information, such as part post code, part date of birth etc and you will complete the rest of it. They will never ask you for the full information etc.

They are merely sales calls, ie they have spotted something on your account and have a suggestion on how to improve your account etc.

You will not divulge anything to them that in fact will not be able to tell you, and will not ask you for account numbers or anything else.

So the only information you end up giving them usually is postcode, maybe address and maybe date of birth, all of which are readily available in the public domain anyhow, and they merely wish to 'sell' something to you.

Your loss perhaps if you don't take the call as often they will have reviewed your accounts and have better suggestions to offer ...

 

[DotNetWebs]

As Gillie says. It IS HSBC

As someone who has been an [attempted] victim of online ID theft before - I never confirm my details on the phone and tell them to write to me instead.

They are always understanding and a letter usually follows.

Regards

Dotty

 

[yorkshirejames]

I get this number a lot, and never ring it back.

If they really need to contact you, they leave a message, or write to you.

Usually this number is when they want to sell you one of their products, ie Insurance etc etc.

Poppy

None of the banks ever seem to leave voicemails.

The number may well be genuine.... but I would be very wary.

The obvious question is whether you have recently gone overdrawn?

 

[OldWelshGuy]

I 100% refuse to give out personal details for an incoming call. I always ask who they are, and ask for a number to call them back on. many say 'sorry sir we are an outbound call centre only, some give me the number (which I then check up online).

I also tell them not to call me any longer, and have made a complaint against some of them.

 

[FreelanceSoftwareDeveloper]

I have also just recently started to refuse to give personal information to incoming callers, if they say it's about activity my account I say fine, i'll phone you back using the number on the back of the card in a few minutes.

 

[derelyth]

Hi all,

Quick update to say the calls have mysteriously stopped

Thanks for the replies, there's a great community here