CDC Phone call

[Ricker]

Had a strange call from the CDC today. The wanted to know how many children were in my home and what type of vaccinations they had received. I was a little alarmed and didn't give any information. Has any one else received a call like this??

Ricker

[Hip Hipnotist]

Ricker, check this out...

http://spokane.bbb.org/article/weekend-warnings-cdc-survey-calls-on-childrens-immunization/vaccination-history-and-michaels-stores-data-breach-27321

and this...

http://www.infowars.com/cdc-calls-homes-demands-immunization-records-in-vaccine-surveillance-program/

[shadowstalker]

HomeNews CenterWeekend Warnings: CDC Survey Calls on Children's Immunization/Vaccination History and Michael's Stores Data Breach
Weekend Warnings: CDC Survey Calls on Children's Immunization/Vaccination History and Michael's Stores Data Breach

5/13/2011


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Weekend Warnings from Your Regional BBB


BBB Educational Warning on CDC Calls


Does CDC Conduct Phone Surveys with Parents about Their Children’s Immunization History?


Yes, but not without having sent a Letter PRIOR to Such Calls; How to differentiate a SCAM (or Imposter) Call from the Real Thing


The following scenario was reported to BBB today by a Spokane mother:


I got a phone call the other night supposedly from the CDC asking if they could conduct research about immunizations and children. They wanted to know if I had young children and I said yes. It seemed legit at first, but then they wanted the names and birth dates of all my kids. They wanted to know our income and info about where we live. I did not give them any of that information but said I would let them know that my kids were immunized. Then they wanted all the contact info for my children's pediatrician. I refused to give that to them. Then the guy hung up on me.


Could this have been a scam to find my children's identities and steal them? I did not disclose the information but it sounded official at first and I would hate for others to be scammed by this. Please find out if the CDC is conducting a survey like this and if they would really need all that information.


BBB was able to do some digging, including contacting the CDC about this scenario. Bottom line?


BBB found that the CDC does, indeed, conduct such phone surveys, and its web site has this info posted about such calls: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nis/participant.htm

HOWEVER: Read the final paragraph at this link, which states that CDC does make such calls, but that the calls are definitely legitimate if you have FIRST received a letter stating that you will be contacted to be part of this survey activity.


NOTE: The CDC stated that not everybody gets a letter ahead of time, making it a bit more difficult to discern whether you have a TRUE CDC survey taker on the line or not. If you have not received a letter prior to such a call, and don’t feel comfortable answering questions, then don’t and state this to the survey taker.


BBB ADVICE

Scammers are constantly attempting to "imposter" official agencies via random calls in an attempt to get you to part with sensitive information. The FTC has great tips on this subject here.


As you can see by these subjective posts, many don’t trust such calls, and for good reasons. It is extremely difficult to “tell” that someone is legitimate via phone only. BBB doesn’t suggest that you rely 100% on Caller ID, either, because SPOOFING is a common scammer technique to try to fake you out.

Michaels Stores Data Breach


THIEVES GET CRAFTY WITH PIN SKIMMERS

Michaels Stores Announce Tampered PIN Pads at U.S. Locations


Thanks to WWA, OR and AK BBB for this warning


Customers of Michaels Stores, Inc. should be aware of tampered personal identification number (PIN) pads and the possible risk that credit and debit card information has been compromised. Pin skimming has been reported at Michael Stores locations across the country. Oregon stores in Beaverton, Tualatin, Springfield, Medford, and Roseburg were affected, as well as others listed in Michaels Stores' press release.


According to Michaels Stores' headquarters, exposed PIN pad transactions occurred between February 8 and May 6; since then, law enforcement officials estimate around 100 customer cards may have been used in fraudulent transactions.


The company is taking steps to investigate the fraud, disable tampered devices and help alleviate customer concerns. Consumer notices have been posted on the Michaels Stores' website.


Steps for Victims: Consumers who have made purchases from Michaels Stores are encouraged to monitor bank statements, report unusual account activity, and change PINs and security settings. If accounts were accessed without authorization, consumers should contact their card issuer immediately to dispute charges.

[Ricker]

Thanks Hip.

I never got any letter but it was still a little unnerving. I would asume they would already have information on everybody. After all kids cannot go to school. play sports without having the proper vaccinations.

Ricker

[Sidney]

Thanks Hip.

I never got any letter but it was still a little unnerving. I would asume they would already have information on everybody. After all kids cannot go to school. play sports without having the proper vaccinations.

Ricker

They can if you know your way around the system.
http://www.vaclib.org/exempt/newyork.htm

Regarding this CDC BS. If they were to call me, I would say, it is none of your business. Click : )

[Star Tsar]

I don't understand how people can go to work everyday and do this type of job.

:(

Stay defiant Ricker!

[ghostrider]

almost sounds like they are preparing to release a virus that targets children ...