Telephone Scam Targets UB Students

Last week, the University Police released a statement informing the UB community of a nationwide scam in which college students are called and duped into divulging their credit card numbers under the guise of a prize trip for four to the Bahamas.

John Grela, director of public safety, said he was made aware of the national scam when the parents of a UB student informed the Office of Student Affairs that their daughter received a telephone call from somebody promising her a $780 Spring Break trip to the Bahamas.

Grela said the girl gave the caller her credit card number and was charged $780, without winning the trip the caller claimed was sponsored by "Ramada Plaza Resorts."

While Grela said no one else at UB has reported falling victim to the scam, Jacob Becker, a sophomore political science major, said he received a similar call but neglected to report it to the University Police.

"(The caller) said something about me winning some sort of contest," Becker said. "I never even entered so I don't know how I'd possibly win."

Becker said that he was wary of the "offer" because he had been barraged with other telemarketing calls in previous weeks. He did not give them any personal information.

"I thought it was pretty suspect," he said. "They were very pushy about getting my information."

According to Grela, students should be aware of the problem and be smart about giving information over the phone. Students and faculty should never give out credit card numbers, social security numbers, bank account numbers, date of birth or driver's license numbers to an unsolicited telephone caller or Internet-based solicitation.

"Always be sure you are dealing with a bank or credit card company that you will have initiated the call to before giving out any personal information out," Grela said.

Justin Hom, senior communication major, said it is the students' responsibility to never give out such information over the phone.

"I think people who fall for that sort of stuff are stupid," Hom said. "I was unaware of the situation, but students should know not to give out that information."

According to Grela, students who receive a call they suspect to be a scam should report it to a local police department and to the New York State Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Frauds and Protection at (800) 771-7755.