Is this a scam of some kind?

[GREENBACK]

I have repeatedly recieved calls from 866-450-0037. I assumed it was a telemarketer but there is never an answer when I pick up. I finally did a search and found out that many folks get calls from this number. Some say it's some kind of scam. If it's a scam why don't they say anything? Others say it's Fifth/Third bank's collection department. I've had a couple of accounts with this bank but nothing overdue or otherwise delinquent. I guess some that recieve the call are directed to call another number.


Does anyone else get calls from this number?

I live in Ohio by the way and Fifth/Third is in Cincinnati. The area code is actually from Kentucky.

[MonkeyMama]

I'm not 100% sure it's a scam. Seems odd, but many people found it to be legit (just did some googling).

OF course, wouldn't give them any personal info, but I had to say this is how I found out my identity was stolen. Some strange bank I never heard of called and started asking for personal info. I said, "I don't think so!" But did some digging and turned out to be a legit number for the bank, and turned out someone had been opening accounts all across the US, in my name.

I only share because though most of these things are scammy, a call like that can also be cause for great concern! If you are unsure, call the bank directly and ask if they have been trying to contact you. You may want to call both their collections and fraud departments (since all these things seem departmentalized and main bank might not have a clue). I'd leave it at that.

[GREENBACK]

Yeah, I think I will call although I have identity theft protection. I know from opening accounts in the past that an alert is immediately sent out to me so I don't think that's the case.

I'm mostly curious about the part where they don't say anything to some people including me, I.E. what kind of scammer or thief does this?.

[MonkeyMama]

That part is definitely ODD!

[CalireEHughes]

Wait a minute, you're getting strange calls and no one is saying anything when you pick up the phone? It's dead silence? That's super strange, hopefully it's not a burglar checking to see if anyone is at the residence or something like that.

[jamesparker100]

yeah it seems spam. there would be something wrong. you should be bold to face any problem.

[jeffrey]

My guess is that it is an automated program doing the dialing. This means that the reps don't have to waste time dialing and they get routed to any phone that has been picked up - the problem is that if no reps are available, there can be a delay and only silence on the other end.

[creditcardfree]

Originally Posted by jeffrey

My guess is that it is an automated program doing the dialing. This means that the reps don't have to waste time dialing and they get routed to any phone that has been picked up - the problem is that if no reps are available, there can be a delay and only silence on the other end.

I agree. And I would check your credit report. If all is fine, try ignoring it.

[GREENBACK]

Originally Posted by creditcardfree

I agree. And I would check your credit report. If all is fine, try ignoring it.

Thanks. I forgot about this thread. I've since figured out that 866 is used a lot for these automated calls. I just ignore them and they eventually stop calling. I hate the pause when you pick up the phone. I guess it works for them.

[justinblake]

Did you actually call the bank to check?

[GREENBACK]

Originally Posted by justinblake

Did you actually call the bank to check?

No but there is no kind of change in anything. Not sure why I was being called to begin with.

[LoanAmortization]

It sounds as if an autodialer is trying to see if someone is actually at the number, maybe more calls will follow.