Fido (Canada) Scam...
I have been getting a few calls lately (5 to 10 in about 2 weeks) from a private number (no caller id) on my cell phone which, when I pick it up, is dead air. On Friday I decided to wait for a few seconds longer because some telemarketing companies like the auto-dialing features which immediately put you on hold once you answer your phone. So viola, someone did pick up.
He claimed that his name was Francios, and he was a Fido (think of Fido as your everyday cell phone provider) customer service representative. He thanked me for my recent payment and wanted to know if I wanted to sign up for automatic payments via my bank or credit card. I said no, of course. Next he wanted to know if I wanted to update my secret word, or pass-phrase. I said no again; I started to get suspicious. He expressed to me that currently on my account there was no secret word and that I should immediately change it.
That’s when I politely told him that I have absolutely no idea who he is. He claimed to be from Fido, but how can I confirm that? I told him that my secret word has been on my account since day one, and that it is very strange that he is asking for it again. I became agitated that he simply played stupid with me. The conversation ended on that note.
On Saturday I decided to call Fido directly to get to the bottom of this. I dislike the fact that they are randomly calling me asking me for my information like that. I went through the process in verifying who I was and such with the operator, never did they ask me for my secret word (what good is it then?). Anyways after we agreed on who each other were I asked him what he has on file for my secret word. He said “REF”. “REF”!? What the hell is that and why!? Very annoying that they could simply lose my information, especially the piece of information which is designed to authenticate me. I immediately created a new secret word for my account –not that I have any confidence in it.
Near the end of the conversation I simply asked him if they do random calls to their clients. He said “No”. I explained the situation to him and asked him again if that is normal or if they are doing some sort of surveys on their accounts. Again, he said “No”. I can only assume that it was a scam. Someone attempted to steal my personal information, for some reason.
That’s a big heads up for me. I think from now on I will start authenticating those that call me. They ask that of us, we should be able to do the same.
13 Comments
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Denny said
Hmmm....
interactive "Phishing"
the emails that claim to be from your bank and want you to click a link to update some of your account info....
you are right: if someone calls you you should be able to ask them to verify who they are.
and in the USA we have some phone companies that keep terrible records of stuff like what lines are active for a T1 loop... so I bet they are just as bad with other data.
CSR for Fido... said
Oh, okay. You clearly do not understand at all, do you? Yes, there are absolutely telemarketers for Fido, you need to request to be taken off of the list. Another thing is that "Ref" is short for refuse, which is what we put on file for those who do not show interest in creating a password at that very moment. Generally, Telemarketers for Fido simply offer you VERY GOOD DEALS that no customer service rep could offer for the exchange of a 2 or 3 year agreement when you are 6 months to the end of your own... or offer you a good deal on a new phone with fido dollars and an agreement credit. Not a scam my friend...not at all. :)
Steven said
Fido Canada won't ask you for your personal information because they already got it. They just charge you thousands in hidden fees. Fido Canada do scam there clients and make life hard. Telus Canada is the way to go.
Colin Weeks said
Hi Everyone Last week I received a call from "Fido" offereing two cell phones for the price of one. The supposed rep asked for numerous pieces of ID, drivers license and then social ins#,insisting that federally incorporated banks and telcos have authority to ask for this info. They also asked credit card #'s. I refused. They even gave me phone #'s of the government department that I could call to verify their authority. I hung up. I hope Fido is NOT doing this!!
Rick said
We signed up with Fido last March, couples plan, the first bill came and we didn't receive the promotional discount we signed on for. After 2 months of fighting with this that and all the operators we finally got our discount.(NOT A GOOD START) Last week my phone's screen died, went to store for a replacement, "Sorry sir, we need your receipt" WHAT? I'm a new customer, check your records "Sorry sir, the manufacturer wants the receipt. FR@C!N company! Now that I tore my house apart looking for the receipt, I will return to the all so friendly store and most likely receive some more bull and hours later walkout with less money in my pocket, again. Any one considering fido, DON'T. We are also charged long distance fees when I can use the lan line for free. I've lost all confidence in service companies. Thanks for letting me vent.
Honey said
So, I got a call from Fido's "Promotional Department" saying my number was randomly selected to receive a new, free cell phone. They guy explained everything about the promotion saying it's a RAZR phone and it would be delivered free of charge to my address. He asked me a bunch of questions (how many fido phones do i have, how much do i pay, how many minutes do i get, etc.) They he passed me on to his "supervisor." Usually it takes 10 minutes to speak with any supervisor, but this guy got on in like 3 seconds. Very suspicious. Anyway, this supervisor dude asked me all the same questions the last guy asked, but asked for my name, postal code, and password. I refused to give my name and gave him all fake information. He accepted it all and said their verification team would call me back in 10 minutes to verify my information. I could already smell this was a scam when the guy said he was calling from FIDO, but being bored, I played along. Anyway, the first "representative" called me back and said my postal code did not match my account. I insisted that it was correct (ofcourse it was a fake!) and he said "Okay. I'll try it again and call you back." "TRY" it again??? Try what?!? Either it's on your screen and it's the right postal code or it isn't, right? So now I'm trying to figure out what they can be "trying" with a phone number, postal code. Hmmmm...
Yapp said
Once you have signed the agreement with FIDO and opt to butt out after the promotion period, you can't; They stated in such a way that should you want to discontinue you have to pay for the penalty charge which is sky high and irrational. And do also check your bills properly and that you are charged according to what you use. For anyone who hasn't subscribed to cell phone services, there is the probability that you might be better off with registering for a phone line and use prepaid cards.
grace said
fido is a total scam. TOTAL. Dont ever get fido, especially prepaid service. My balance ran out so fast so i called fido to check up all the transactions made and when we looked up each number through my call log together, i would have a different call duration listed in my phone from what was listed on his computer. VOILA! I found out why, every time i filled my account, the money would run out so fast. AND i also checked other numbers with him and we would always have different call duration. fido sucks ass.
David said
The only thing you should ever say to anyone who phones you, is "I don't do business on the phone". Then hang up. The current Canadian Do Not Call list has provided some protection, but people, in particular Canadians, are a little too trusting and tolerant, even of bona fide companies.
ricky said
i love fido, it plays fetch and steals from me, poops on the floor, and has but ugly sales people! woof woof!
mike said
Fido charged me 1800$ for international roaming.. I paid that mount and I asked the agent to cancel that service.. one month later, they are asking for extra 2000$ for international roaming... They are insisting on me to pay,, but i decided not to pay,,, Is there any panelty other than the account suspension??????????
I HATE Fido with a passion! said
Fido is the absolute worst company you can ever imagine signing up with. Never again in my life will they get a single cent off of me. I'd rather be stuck in a snow storm with 5 feet of snow around me and have no cell phone than pay those sneaky bastards a single penny. I have been a Fido customer for about five years. Every year they came up with new bull to try to get money out of me. Considering I was only 15 five years, Fido did have the best and "cheapest" plans at the time. I was first a prepaid customer and they would ALWAYS steal money from my account. If I spoke on the phone for a few minutes, they always charged me for more. If you thought about calling them to complain, they automatically treat you like dirt and give you attitude. There are also so many hidden fees that it is not even funny. The thing that really drove me over the edge is that they scammed me for $700 by charging my account with monthly usage I did not even use and they ruined my credit within a matter of months. I absolutely hate that company and I would LOVE for them to go bankrupt.
TK said
They offered me a plan that did not exist and now I am stuck with 2 years contract. I called them 3 times & only thing I'm being told is that "PLAN MISREPRESENTED & CONTRACT CANNOT BE REMOVED". It's great I'm planning to cancel the account with $400.00 charges & going to leave FIDO FOREVER I got SCAMMED DON'T USE FIDO! they give you a wrong offer with contract so you just have to accept and can't leave.