Credit Card Scam

I received a call yesterday from a familiar number +601300 80 8888. Hmmm...where have I seen this number before. When I answered the phone, an automated message announced that she was calling from AmBank and I had an outstanding bill of RM2000 from my unpaid credit card. Following that, I could press '1' to repeat, or press '9' to speak to customer service.

I clicked '9' and a man picked up instantly, a very unusual situation for most call centres, don't you think?
Me: Hi! I don't have a credit card with your bank!
Him: Ma'm, could you give me your name, IC number and telephone number, the call centre is very busy now and we will call you back shortly.
Me: Name, number, mumbled IC number (cause you're calling me back. Why do you need my IC number now?)
Odd, you called me, didn't you? Shouldn't you have my name and number? Anyway, I left my name and number and hung up.

And then I stopped and checked the number again. I logged on to AmOnline and their customer care number read 1300 80 8888. I smelt something fishy and as my chatbox with Z was open, I told her what happened and she told me to be careful.

A few hours later, I got a call from the same number. A guy named Brandon asked for my name and my IC number. I mumbled a few numbers, not intentionally but I was in the meeting room about to start a discussion and my mind was somewhere else.
Brandon: Please hold. Yes Ms. Vanessa Lai, you have an account with us. You opened your account in Ampang on the 9th of June 2008 and you have an outstanding bill of RM2000 as of December 2008. It's registered to this address: ......Kajang
Me: It's Melissa. And WHAT? That's absurd.
Brandon: You would need to call this number (8659 0214) to report it.
Me: What number is this?
Brandon: Aduan Kad Palsu. Please quote the credit card number 5455 1932 8653 1027.
Me: Okay so what happens next? How did this happen? Why should I call? Shouldn't you be calling to report this?
Brandon: No, miss. Since all the details are correct and tally with the information that you have provided us, you have to call.
Me: What? That's not my address! I don't even know where OSK Ampang is! Anyway, what are you going to do about this?
Him: Yes, miss. The bank will report it to the police and we will investigate this matter.

Hmm....

When I got back, I did a quick Google search and was shocked to realise that I have been a potential victim of a credit card scam. Lots of other people have fell for it. Apparently, the number given was an intended Bank Negara number for Aduan Kad Palsu. Upon calling that number, they will ask for your financial details, bank account numbers, ATM card numbers, and the lady from AmBank said that the syndicates have asked people to bank in money into a specific account. A big 'Thank You' to this girl who detailed the incident on her blog that has helped a handful of people.

When I told my family about this over dinner, my brother's girlfriend shared a similar incident where she received a U Mobile bill at her home address. None at home had subscribed to U Mobile and thus, they proceeded to make a police report.

I really wonder what the banks and the police are doing about this. Anyway, be aware, be careful and always question should you receive such calls.