I ordered an iPhone 3G 8 GB online this morning from AT&T...

[Lucian]

and I got an email from AT&T an hour ago and they want me to call an 866 number to confirm my identity to "ensure the security of your online purchase". :wtf: Has this happened to any other AT&T customer before? Why do they need to ask me questions? I never went through all this with Verizon.

Jesus Christ.

[GOPisEvil]

1. Not with AT&T, but with Bank of America.

I have a mortgage and checking account with B of A (spare me the boycott stuff, ok). I wanted to open a savings account. So, I opened one up online. They e-mailed me to call them to verify some information. I mean, I guess I get it - they're protecting me, but it's not like I was taking money out. That would have made more sense. :shrug:

[Lucian]

2. I know, right?

I hate it when companies do this. They might even ask me a question and I have no idea what the answer is. I hope it's not something obscure that's happened in my life years ago.

[GOPisEvil]

3. They asked me what county some of my former residences were in.

Now, I did just move cross country; maybe that was a tip-off for the added security.

Good thing I only lived in two counties in the last 28 years. :) (Well, now 3)

[NYC_SKP]

4. Probably legit, but worthy of scrutiny.

You'd not likely have been contacted but for the purchase, but in case it's phishing, I'd do a few things.

Google the 866 number.

Check the sender's email address, google it.

Check to see where any links in the email take you and Google their URLs..

Most phishing scams are unidentifiable by using these techniques.

And, you could call an ATT store or a legitimate ATT number, but you'll be on hold for a while.

Enjoy your phone!

[Lucian]

5. I'm hoping it's legit...

the email did reference my order number...

[NYC_SKP]

6. I was thinking, the only way it could NOT be legit...

...would involve someone having hacked into the ordering system.

But, remember the tips I gave for future emails, if you're not already familiar with them.

I've seen some very convincing emails from fake sites pretending to be PayPal, BofA, etc.

:hi:

[Lucian]

7. Thanks for the info.

:hi:

[Call Me Wesley]

8. Thanks to BushCo and their war on terror,

you have to identify yourself if you order a cell phone. You could be an anonymous terrorist who wants to use an iPhone, and the World Police does not want that. I have to show my ID with the code on it to get one ...

[Lucian]

9. If I was a terrorist who wanted to use a phone...

I certainly wouldn't buy an iPhone. I'd buy a cheap Tracfone where you can remain totally anonymous on to conduct business.