Account services calls: is it a scam? The robocall explained
Quick answer
A recorded call from 'account services' or 'card services' offering to lower your credit card interest rate is a scam. Hang up, don't press any key and don't give card or Social Security numbers. Report the number at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Comes by
- Phone call, Voicemail
- Last updated
How it works
The FTC has sued robocallers who used generic names like 'card services', 'credit card services' or 'account services'. The recording claimed they could lower your card's interest rate. Press 1 and you reached a telemarketer who charged an upfront fee, from $495 to $1,495 in those cases, without lowering any rates.
The number on caller ID is often spoofed, so it can look local. The FTC's advice has been to hang up and not press any key to be removed from a list, because that can lead to more calls.
Red flags
- A recorded message with a generic name like 'account services'
- An offer to lower your credit card interest rate
- A prompt to press 1 to speak to someone
- A request for your card or Social Security number
- An upfront fee for a service
Example message
This is account services. This is the final notice about lowering the interest rate on your credit card. Press 1 now to speak to a representative.
What to do
- 1
Hang up without pressing anything
Pressing a key, even to opt out, can mark your number as active and bring more calls.
- 2
Don't give card or Social Security numbers
Never give these to an unsolicited caller.
- 3
Call your card issuer
If you want a lower rate, call the number on the back of your card.
- 4
If you paid or shared details, act
Call your card issuer, ask for a replacement card and consider a credit freeze. Our guide on what to do after a data breach covers the steps.
- 5
Report it
Report the call to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, with the number that called you.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers don't pick numbers and addresses at random. Names, phone numbers, home addresses and email addresses are easy to buy from people-search sites and data brokers, and they leak in breaches, which lets a caller or sender sound like they know you. Serus finds where your details are listed and removes them from the sites that hold them, and alerts you when your data shows up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
Frequently asked
Is 'account services' a real company?
The FTC has described such names as generic cover names used by robocallers, not a company calling about your account.
Should I press 1 to stop the calls?
No. The FTC advises against pressing keys to be removed from a list.
The number looked local. Does that mean it's real?
No. The FTC notes these numbers are often spoofed.
Can a company really lower my interest rate?
Your card issuer can discuss your rate. Call the number on your card, not an unsolicited caller.
Sources
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