Earlier this week I did a stoopid thing. I almost let myself get scammed by some lowlifes on the Internet.
I accidentally clicked on a link that took me to a page featuring all kinds of scary warnings. I couldn't exit out of the page.
I believed the warnings and immediately called the toll-free number that was now flashing on my desktop screen. It was accompanied by a female voice that was screeching at me about how I had to call said number.
I dialed the number, naively believing that it was legit and I'd get support to fix the problem. Instead I got connected with someone on the other side of the world.
I was so rattled that I didn't realize at the time he and his co-worker were using terms to convince me they were helping me.
For example:
"Your phone line is not secured; it can be tampered with."
"I'll make a duplicate transaction to confuse hackers."
They kept referring to "hackers," which apparently meant they were referring to themselves.
After a stressful hour on the phone with them I hung up and called my bank. I was advised to close the account, which I did.
The next day I called the bank to make sure there were no unauthorized charges on my account. There weren't any, so I guess I can say all's well that ends well.
That's my public service announcement. I hope it might save someone from the unnecessary stress that I endured.