Warning: Fake Virgin Media on Twitter led to card fraud

vigman

I’d been in discussions with Virgin Media. I sent a DM to @VirginMedia on Twitter and stupidly gave my card details (although I had used this to place an order with them). It was a fake account and money started being used. Luckily Barclays were quick on spotting this. I’m being refunded and the card has been stopped. Looking at the second part of the Twitter name it has VirginSmedia with an”S” in.
I’m tired and ill and it has really annoyed me I was fooled this way as I am so careful. 

Mnoee

The blue verified ticks are there to help spot real from fake. Always take the time to check the 'company' you're talking to is verified. Not berating you for making a mistake - I'm glad the bank are refunding you. Just adding helpful tips for others so they don't get fooled too. 

vigman

Mnoee said:

The blue verified ticks are there to help spot real from fake. Always take the time to check the 'company' you're talking to is verified. Not berating you for making a mistake - I'm glad the bank are refunding you. Just adding helpful tips for others so they don't get fooled too. 

So embarrassing as I’ve professionally spent years preventing others from falling foul of internet fraud. I was tired, I’m chronically ill and was very stressed. I’d been, emailing Virgin, texting with them about a new installation and just stupidly gave details in a DM to @VirginMedia on a phone without checking the blue tick. I’m also visually impaired. 

If I can be caught, anyone can, but it makes you feel sick to your stomach!

jon81uk

Even if it was the genuine Twitter account don't give credit card details to them on Twitter, do it by phone.

vigman

jon81uk said:

Even if it was the genuine Twitter account don't give credit card details to them on Twitter, do it by phone.

Stupid to say I know that, but it was the perfect time for me to make a basic error. I’d just been texting with them about the account. I was on my knees with tiredness and just confirmed by DM what we had been legitimately texting and emailing about!
As I said, I’ve spent years warning about internet security professionally and would have laughed at my rookie error if I was looking at myself doing it! I’m also visually impaired so didn’t see the additional letter (on my phone) in the second part of the @ name!

My main warning here is of spoofed Twitter accounts. I also have to thank Barclays for being quick off the mark with the fraudulent withdrawals and card stopping. 

TripleH

@vigman hope you get the chance to have a nice relaxing weekend and feel a little better.

Goes to show we can never be too complacent at anything.