Phishing Scam Warning - Today a bizarre "phishing" scam almost got the better of me. My Mom and I are both Facebook, and we've listed how we are related. Our names are publically identifiable on the internet. With a little bit of effort, apparently someone can find Mom's home number.

Someone called her at home, asked for me by name, and claimed they were from Capital One. Mom does *not* have a card with them. The scammers were guessing that I might have a card, and I do happen to have one with Capital One. They left a 1-800-955-**** number for me to call them back. Capital One's legitimate phone numbers start with 800-955-****, and when I called their number, the machine said "Capital One" and asked me to give them my account number.

I did *NOT* give them my number. Why? Because I never listed my Mom's name or phone number on my personal credit card. Instead, I logged into my account online, got their legitimate phone number, called them and confirmed my account information --> they only have *MY* information on my account. They do *NOT* have Mom's number or name.

So, I was lucky. I did not give the scammer's my credit card number. But if I hadn't been careful, I might have accidentally done so.

(1) When in doubt, you can use websites like http://800notes.com/ (and there are others) to see what an Unknown number is. I often find out that unknown calls to my cell phone are Marketing scams.

(2) Never click on links in emails. Go to trusted website addresses directly. Type the address you trust into your web browser, and look up information you trust.

(3) If someone asks for your account number when they call you, hang up. Call the trusted numbers instead, and speak to trusted customer assistance.

(4) Use Snopes.com (and similar sites) to look up urban myths and email forwarding scams.

(5) Use a service like Google Voice to take voice messages for you. I never have to listen to the recorded messages from marketers. They leave a message on my Google Voice number, I get a text message or an email that gives me a transcript of their message, and I'm able to quickly delete the message unheard. I love Google Voice. It's also wonderful when my phone died and I couldn't recharge it. Voice messages still came to my email in transcript form, and I was able to return legitimate phone calls while waiting to have my phone replaced.
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Some Random Observations - Some things I've figured out or noticed lately (in no particular order)

A lot of folks want me to come help them declutter. (laughs) Um, it's taken me a lifetime to get around to *my* mess. I don't think you really want to wait on me... AND I really should not commit to *more* activities.

I need several additional light-weight, long-sleeved shirts. I only survive my office temps in several layers. I also *adore* my desk thermometer (check out some readings when I arrived in the morning). Also? My new blanket still sheds lint, and needs another run through the washer/dryer.

Although I'm trying to only tackle "one new habit at a time," I am trying to get more sleep while I learn to reduce clutter. My body, however, is trained to wake up after only 5-6 hours of sleep. I went to sleep at 9:15 PM one night, and was wide awake, feeling fully rested, and COMPLETELY bored out of my skull at 2:15 AM the following morning. But if I'd have gotten up, showered, dressed, and started working on *anything*, I would have awakened other folks in the house. So I forced myself to "take another nap" after a "full night's" sleep... it took counting backwards from 100 twice before I nodded off. Some nights I can barely make it to 90 before I'm passed out. Getting more sleep is hard work! *grin*

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Today's Blessing That I'm Thankful For: Clark Howard, and his website ClarkHoward.com, for my suspicious attitudes towards credit cards and phishing scams