PrimeOne Benefit (Financial) I was almost taken in by this credit card pitch New York New York

I have no idea how PrimeOne Benefit Financial obtained my private cell phone number, but I have been receiving calls from them for a week straight now. I didn't recognize the number on the caller ID at first, so I didn't answer. They never left messages.

My cell phone rang again today and that number appeared on the caller ID: (416) 542-1611. I answered, and although the connection was good, could scarcely understand the caller due to her very heavy accent - Indian. I had to ask her to repeat herself several times. She identified herself only as "Janet". (I'm sure that's not her name.)

"Jane" from Prime One Financial went on to say that they were offering me a credit card with a $1000 credit limit, 9.9% APR, and all I had to do was confirm my identity with someone from the "processing" area.

It sounded too good to be true, since my credit is less than perfect. It was.

During all this, I had to ask her to repeat herself several times, because I just could not understand the words through her heavy accent.

She confirmed my home address, asked how long I had been employed in my current job, who I banked with - A-ha!

I did reply with the name and city of my bank (stupid), but alarm bells began ringing when she mentioned that all I had to do was pay the $187 'processing' fee and I'd get my credit card in the mail with a 'welcome' package.

I played dumb and told her I felt weird about giving out my bank account number. She replied with some fast gibberish that I didn't understand, and I had to ask her to repeat herself.

Basically she said that she understood, and that if I wanted to pursue getting my credit card, I could call back and call her directly - that's Janet, at 416-542-1611, extension 794 - to get my credit card.

I came so close to being taken in. The minute they asked for my bank account number for cash money up front, I knew it was an incredible scam. Of course, until I read other people's posts I didn't know you don't actually even get a credit card.

I've had a couple of unsecured credit cards at less-than-desirable interest rates that charge a processing fee, but they were from relatively reputable creditors who didn't ask for cash money up front. Now, they did charge the processing fee to your account upon issuance, which reduced your available credit limit, but at least that way, you have a choice on whether to pay or not - pay and keep the little credit limit offered, or decline and at least not be out any cash money.

Never pay anyone any money to get a credit card, no matter how sweet the deal may seem, no matter how desperate you may be at the time for funds, no matter how nice the person on the phone.

I can't believe this company is still in business after the 200 some posts I've seen about the obvious scams on their part.

M
Austin, Texas
U.S.A.