• Home
  • About 404TS
  • Contact

404 Tech Support

Where IT Help is Found

  • Articles
    • Code
    • Entertainment
    • Going Green
    • Hardware, Gadgets, and Products
    • Management
    • Network
    • News
    • Operating Systems
    • Security and Privacy
    • Software
    • System Administration
    • Talking Points
    • Tech Solutions
    • Web
    • Webmaster
  • Reviews
  • Media
    • Infographics
    • Videos
  • Tech Events
  • Tools
    • How do I find my IP address?
    • Browser and plugin tests
  • Get a Technical Consultation
You are here: Home / Articles / Security and Privacy / Verizon Wireless directs new customers toward scam line

Verizon Wireless directs new customers toward scam line

2015-11-02 by Jason

If Verizon Wireless is noticing a slow-down in new customers, it might not be competitors T-Mobile, AT&T, or Sprint that merit the blame. Instead, Verizon is directing their potential customers to call the wrong number from the Contact Us page of their mobile site.

Visiting www.verizonwireless.com/support/contact-us/ from a mobile browser lists the numbers to call for Customer Service and other departments. The Consumers Sales number given as (888) 256-4646 is incorrect. Worse than incorrect, it is directing people to call a scam phone number. (The desktop site redirects you to http://www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/contact-us.html which does not list the incorrect number.)

vxw888

The correct number for Verizon Consumer Sales, at the time of publishing, is (800) 256-4646. When you call the listed 888 version of the number (not recommended), you are greeted with an automated recording. It first asks if anyone over the age of 50 lives in your household. It then goes on to explain that you have been selected for a short 3-question survey and you will be given a Caribbean cruise to show their thanks. The survey continues using the 1 or 2 keys to respond to the questions if you want to go on a vacation in the next 6 months, if you are over the age of 21, if you prefer to find the best deals when you plan a vacation, and prefer to travel with all of your family or make it a romantic getaway. You have now earned your cruise with $59.99 dock fees per person and you are prompted to press 1 to accept and be connected to a representative.

When I tried calling again later to confirm it was still a bad number, I received the message:

“You have dialed a number that is not available from your calling area.”

Trying from a separate number again (same calling area), I was again able to reach the Caribbean cruise survey.

I alerted Verizon customer support to the issue over Twitter last night and on the phone this morning with customer support. It appears the company has taken down the page, no longer providing any phone numbers to mobile customers that cannot sign in to a Verizon account. While Verizon is responding to customer questions on Twitter @VZWSupport every few minutes, I received no response to my notifying them nor after they confirmed the issue and changed the page.

vzw_updated

It is unknown how long the incorrect number was listed on Verizon’s website or how many individuals may have fallen victim to whatever the long term scam was (credit card theft with guise of paying port fees?). Even with low tech transfers, this can serve as an example to be vigilant even when browsing the websites of trusted companies.

Filed Under: Security and Privacy

Trending

  • IE prints one page blank from temporary files for all print jobs.
    In Software, Tech Solutions
  • CloudFlare targeted through Google Apps account recovery flaw
    In Security and Privacy, Webmaster
  • Domain typo squatting spreads malware as Pinterest Tool
    In Media, Security and Privacy

Latest Media Posts

Find Out Where To Download SNES ROMs

Find Out Where To Download SNES ROMs

Multifunctional Video Conversion Tools – Wondershare Video Converter

Multifunctional Video Conversion Tools – Wondershare Video Converter

  • Popular
  • Latest
  • Today Week Month All
  • How to ‘Unblock’ multiple files at a time with PowerShell How to 'Unblock' multiple files at a time with PowerShell
  • Increase IIS Private Memory Limit to improve WSUS availability Increase IIS Private Memory Limit to improve WSUS availability
  • Configure Outlook to recurring appointments for the last weekday of the month Configure Outlook to recurring appointments for the last weekday of the month
  • Read the Event Logs on Windows Server Core Read the Event Logs on Windows Server Core
  • SOLVED: “This modification is not allowed because the selection is locked.” SOLVED: "This modification is not allowed because the selection is locked."
  • 3d rendering circuit cloud for cloud computing technology Build and Deploy a Modern Web 3.0 Blockchain App in 2022
  • Telecom Application Development: When to Outsource Telecom Application Development: When to Outsource
  • Printer printing document wirelessly from mobile phone or smartphone wifi connection vector flat cartoon illustration, file air print on fax or ink jet via cellphone bluetooth modern design Why Your Business Needs Online Fax Services In 2022
  • 6 Best Ways to Protect Your Business Account 6 Best Ways to Protect Your Business Account
  • How to download videos from Instagram How to download videos from Instagram
Ajax spinner

Elevator Pitch

404 Tech Support documents solutions to IT problems, shares worthwhile software and websites, and reviews hardware, consumer electronics, and technology-related books.

Subscribe to 404TS articles by email.

Recent Posts

  • Build and Deploy a Modern Web 3.0 Blockchain App in 2022
  • Telecom Application Development: When to Outsource
  • Why Your Business Needs Online Fax Services In 2022

Search

FTC Disclaimer

404TechSupport is an Amazon.com affiliate; when you click on an Amazon link from 404TS, the site gets a cut of the proceeds from whatever you buy. This site also uses Skimlinks for smart monetization of other affiliate links.
Use of this site requires displaying and viewing ads as they are presented.

Copyright © 2022 · Magazine Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in