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Original poster

I’ve just been scammed and I’m so embarrassed and worried

20 replies

Gahhfeelsostupid · 19/05/2023 17:38

I’m not very well at the moment and was just having a nap, but feeling a bit brain foggy. My phone rang and someone said they were calling from EE to apply a loyalty discount to my account (oh god even writing this I can’t believe I fell for it).

I gave them my full name, my date of birth and my old address, as that was the one registered with EE (I’ve recently moved - didn’t mention that on the phone though).

Then they asked me about my bank details and I realised it was a scam. They then put on a different voice and said I was speaking to the EE manager. It was all ridiculous and then I hung up. I’ve called EE and reported the number to them.

I feel so stupid and so embarrassed.

My question is:

What can a scammer do with my full name, DOB and previous address?

I can’t believe I didn’t hang up straight away. What is wrong with me??! 😞

OP posts:
TheFlis12345 · 19/05/2023 17:39

I really doubt they can do anything with that, most of that info is publicly available anyway. Just keep a close eye on your credit file.

Original poster
Gahhfeelsostupid · 19/05/2023 17:40

TheFlis12345 · 19/05/2023 17:39

I really doubt they can do anything with that, most of that info is publicly available anyway. Just keep a close eye on your credit file.

How do I keep a close eye on my credit file??

OP posts:
TheFlis12345 · 19/05/2023 17:40

Register with someone like Experian to check nobody attempts to get credit in your name.

Lockheart · 19/05/2023 17:41

What can a scammer do with my full name, DOB and previous address?

You realise anyone can access this right? Just by looking at census records, electoral rolls and so forth.

It's not useful information to a scammer.

Original poster
Gahhfeelsostupid · 19/05/2023 17:42

TheFlis12345 · 19/05/2023 17:40

Register with someone like Experian to check nobody attempts to get credit in your name.

Ok, thank you.

OP posts:
Original poster
Gahhfeelsostupid · 19/05/2023 17:43

Lockheart · 19/05/2023 17:41

What can a scammer do with my full name, DOB and previous address?

You realise anyone can access this right? Just by looking at census records, electoral rolls and so forth.

It's not useful information to a scammer.

Is DOB on electoral rolls?! I didn’t know that. Also I thought census records were held for a certain number of decades. Interesting. Thank you.

OP posts:
Daffidale · 19/05/2023 17:45

Oh poor you. I think you can stop panicking. You spotted it was a scam at the real danger point when they asked for your back details and hung up. Well done.

Don’t feel embarrassed. The info they asked up front is quite normal and I’m not sure I’d have realised immediately it was a fake call either.
as ppl have said the other info is more easy for them to get. But def set up the credit alert thing just in case.

Lockheart · 19/05/2023 17:45

I might be wrong about the census records, thinking about it. But the point stands that most of that information is not going to be private and isn't going to help them much.

determinedtomakethiswork · 19/05/2023 17:47

When you think about it, we know tons of people's names, addresses and dates of birth. You can't do anything with just that.

itsmylife7 · 19/05/2023 17:48

Similar happened to a friend but she actually gave her bank details, including the 3 pin number on the back of her card !

They tried to buy stuff online with her details but bank declined it and checked with her.

Original poster
Gahhfeelsostupid · 19/05/2023 17:49

Thank you. Do you think giving my old address would have added some protection?! I have my new address registered on all my bank things etc - just hadn’t got round to updating EE account yet.

OP posts:
Original poster
Gahhfeelsostupid · 19/05/2023 17:50

Daffidale · 19/05/2023 17:45

Oh poor you. I think you can stop panicking. You spotted it was a scam at the real danger point when they asked for your back details and hung up. Well done.

Don’t feel embarrassed. The info they asked up front is quite normal and I’m not sure I’d have realised immediately it was a fake call either.
as ppl have said the other info is more easy for them to get. But def set up the credit alert thing just in case.

Thank you for being so kind! Oh I do feel ridiculous.

Yes, I will have a look at Experian and see what I can do. Thank you.

OP posts:
Superdupes · 19/05/2023 17:51

What they really wanted were your bank details - but you realised before you gave them to them thankfully. It's so easily done so don't worry or be too hard on yourself, they won't get far with the little you've given them.

Ilikewinter · 19/05/2023 17:55

Sign up to Clear Score aswell, they are another credit checking service.

Tooyoungtofeelthisold · 19/05/2023 17:56

You haven't been scammed. They wanted your bank details. You didn't give them.

RunningFromInsanity · 19/05/2023 17:57

Think about how many people you know the DOB and address of.
There’s very little you can to with the information as it’s so readily available.

Evaka · 19/05/2023 18:00

You did great to spot that it was a scam in time. These assholes can be super sophisticated. People I know who have been scammed or almost:

  • my company head of finance
  • my brother who is a corporate lawyer
  • DMIL who is whip smart and on the ball

Thanks for letting the people of mumsnet know about this one x

Original poster
Gahhfeelsostupid · 19/05/2023 18:13

Evaka · 19/05/2023 18:00

You did great to spot that it was a scam in time. These assholes can be super sophisticated. People I know who have been scammed or almost:

  • my company head of finance
  • my brother who is a corporate lawyer
  • DMIL who is whip smart and on the ball

Thanks for letting the people of mumsnet know about this one x

Thank you so much. This has all made me feel a lot better 🙏🙏🙏

OP posts:
OhBling · 19/05/2023 18:38

Did they "send you a text" to prove who they were and ask you to provide the one time password?

Becuase when they called me, that's what they were trying to do. They can then reset your online account and use it to order a new phone or whatever. You should log onto your EE account and change your password if they did.

KrisAkabusi · 19/05/2023 19:01

You haven't been scammed because you didn't give them any money or any way for them to take any from you.

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