lookout for scam - (First National Merchant Cr)

OK - curious if those w kids may have recieved in the mail recently what my son did. My son is almost ten years old. He has no access to the internet. Today he recieved in the mail, a real credit card stating he was pre-approved for 6,500!! This is not an application. This was a real card, with his name, and expiration date. All he needed to do was to call 800# and activate using the activation number on the letter.
TOTAL SCAM! a company from Las Vegas called CCS Credit Service Division issued this card. I called to see if I could get a real person on the phone, but to no avail.
I can understand an application -but I really would like to know how they got my sons name (full name) Anyone?
If anyone has seen this please respond

 

They got his ss# somehow? I would contact the authorities...

 

I somehow doubt it was a real card. Read the fine print.

 

Often, these cards appear to be "credit" cards but are, in fact, purchase cards. No ssn is needed as they aren't based on a credit record - no doubt your 10-year-old has no credit record yet. I've seen them addressed to pets!

The premise of the card is that the consumer can b goods with it - on "credit." The catch is that the purchases must be made from a catalog of the issuer or a partnering store - all at inflated prices.

How they got your son's name is a mystery you may never solve. Little league registration, school records etc - not that these agencies willingly sell or exchange their lists. It's as simple as bad disposal methods, insecure networks - in today's info age, you'd be amazed.

Your best bet - shred it. Then if you are really interested - check and see if the CRA's (credit reporting agencies) have a file under your son's SSN. It'll run you under $10. If you can wait til September, it'll be free.

Hope this helps.

Dawne

 

It's just as you suspected Dawne.

http://badbusinessbureau.com/reports/ripoff133579.htm

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1998/06/ccs.htm

 

My 10 year old son also just received the same card. I also would like to know how they found out about my son (name and address). Has the School/LYSA/other system been hacked?

 

I doubt it ... its amazing what you can find on the web outright, without having to 'scam' anything.

Neil Z.
Resident since 1999