Yesterday I was pleasantly working at my desk when I got a phone call. The guy on the other end informed me that he worked for Discover Card, and that I was eligible for a new card, with a much higher limit than I currently have on my Discover Card, and I would earn airfare miles too.

Here is a synopsis of the rest of our phone call:

He: I will be sending your new card to you in the mail. When it arrives you will need to call in to activate it. To activate it you will need enter in the first 4 characters of your mother's maiden name. Will you give me your mother's maiden name now?

Me: I don't think I want to give you than information.

He: OK sir, this is just used for your protection so we know it is you authorizing the card. Can you confirm you are about 18 years of age, will you give me your date of birth?

Me: I am not "about 18 years of age", I will not give you my date of birth.

He: Sir...

Me: Look. I already do business with Discover Card, I would think you would know all you need to know about me. I am not going to give you any information about myself. You called me, I have no proof that you are really with Discover Card. You can send me information about the card in the mail if you want, but I am not going to be giving you any information.

He: OK, good-bye.

So, was I a victim of a phishing? Definitely not! Was I a victim of a phishing attempt? Maybe. But I do know that if the person I spoke to really worked for Discover Card, he very easily could have said, "If you would feel for comfortable, you can call me on our 800 number, here is my extension...", but he didn't even try that.

The whole "Can you confirm you are about 18 years of age, will you give me your date of birth?" really set my alarms off too. Credit card companies have tons of info on you (especially if you do business with them), so I would think that they would know my DOB.

Anyways... the guy could have been legit, I am not past admitting that. But remember folks, it's always better safe than scammed.