Hacked, Scammed, But Not Compromised
Lamentation 3:23 (NLT) “Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.”
We have all heard horrific stories on the news or social media of how innocent people have been hacked or scammed. Some have lost their life savings and their hope. You might have said, “that’s too bad” or “I’m too smart to fall for that one.” Unfortunately, it can happen to anyone. All of us should pay attention to the sheer numbers and names of the large American corporations, businesses and medical facilities that have been hacked. New names are announced almost daily. Bible readers have the advantage of knowing that Satan is real. The enemy’s goal is to hate, deceive, and destroy. He sends his dark angels out into the world to attack the innocent and righteous(1John 3:8, 2 Corinthians 11:3).
I know because the devil targeted me. I first heard on the evening news that At&T’s data base had been hacked. When I received a letter from At&T, I read it but was not concerned (a mistake) until I was both hacked and scammed. The day I was hacked I was annoyed by a roaming email (labeled-News Report). When I scrolled up, it moved up, when I scrolled down it moved down. It would not go away no matter how many times I clicked delete. Frustrated, I opened it so I could delete it properly (another mistake). A loud siren and alarm bells went off and would not stop…warning me not turn the computer off or I would loss my data, again and again. It said to call Microsoft. The number was on the computer screen, but I decided to be cautious and looked up the number on my tablet. (Next mistake)I did not read the small print under the name Microsoft. I called and asked for help. A female answered and told me how to turn off the noise without turning off the computer, then she told me that my name and info. were likely on the dark web, then she asked if she could check my computer. I hesitated, but said yes(a huge no-no). I became nervous when she asked me if I did online banking. I asked her if she was a hacker, she reminded me I had called her. And she offered to fix computer for $300-plus fee. It was too much, besides I wasn’t about to give her any credit card info. She became very angry and told me she only trying to help me. After I hung up, I thanked my God for whatever He had already done to protect me. I recalled praying my Hedge of Protection that morning.
A little over a week later, I noticed on Caller ID, several calls from Chase my credit card company. Curious, the next time they called I answered (a mistake). A female said she was from Chase and someone was trying to open a credit card in my name in another state, and asked if it was me. I said no, then she told me she had someone on the line from Consumer Protection Service who could help me. I thanked her, asked for the direct number and then she connected me (huge mistake). The male(scammer number 2) wasted no time in telling me that my information was on the dark web. He told me the balance on my Chase credit card including my last payment, gave me a social security number, more credit information, then asked for my complete card number and the expiration date on the credit card.
I was so upset, I couldn’t say anything. He kept reminding me he was from the Consumer Protection Service and was there to help me. I told him that I did not like him yelling at me. He apologized but insisted he was trying to help me. He repeatedly asked for my SS number, for my credit card expiration date. I told him I had to think about it, I would call him back, then I asked for his name and number. I was so rattled by the time I hung up that I couldn’t decided who to call or what to do next. So I paused, then thanked my God for His Hedge of Protection. (I’ve made a habit of saying it prayerfully aloud, first for myself and then for family and my friends.) I was calmed enough to look up the number for the Bureau of Consumer Protection/FTC,( the scammer gave me the correct number). And it was the BEST call I made that day. They confirmed that I had been targeted. BCP/FTC will never call you and ask for personal information. They answered all my questions. Plus they have a great website designed to help those who may have been scammed or hacked. They let me know what steps to take…called the credit card company(s), and then immediately have your cards re-issued. Accept any company offering free monitoring services from the three major credit monitoring companies. Be sure to check your accounts with your bank or credit union and let them know what going on, to be safe you can freeze your credit info with the three major monitoring companies….BCP/FTC has a lot of helpful information to protect your.
I called AT&T and signed up for the free protection service they are currently offering for one year. They will pay up to a 1 million dollars in damages. In their letter there are two activation codes. If you received a letter from AT&T, find it and call them. The deadline is near the end of July.
I’ve made a point to never say what I will or will not do in any situation. We’re all human, thus subject to make mistakes. If you have been targeted by the evil one, like I was, please warn your friends and family, and everyone willing to listen to the dangers. AT&T is not the only large corporations under attack. Recently, the Ascension Medical Facilities and car dealerships are in the news for cyber attacks. We are all vulnerable. Find out which corporations have had their data bases hacked, in order to protect your personal information.
Believers and followers of Jesus Christ, know that during our weakest moments the Savior is with us(Job 37:23). He is God and loves and protects His children. We must never forget His greatness and His incredible power. If you have been hacked or scammed, stop blaming yourself. Instead open your Bible, go to Ephesians 1:19-20 (NLT), read and re-read it, until calm comes. In apostle Paul’s letter to God’s people in Ephesus, he assures them that he will pray that they “will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power, for us who believe in Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.” Even though, we live in the midst of constant confusion and mistrust our Lord God is real! He sent His beloved Son, Jesus the Christ into the world to save us. Christ willingly gave His own life so we can have eternal life. Until Jesus comes again, children of the Most High must pray and be prepared. Our Father in heaven has left His precious Words of truth and protection for us. Be wise, use them!
This is the confession that I call “God’s Hedge if Protection.” I say it prayerfully aloud every day. I started before the pandemic, adding my concerns at the time. You can do the same; include family, friends, pastor, church members. It has worked for me and will for you, if you believe in the Savior, Christ the Lord and have faith in Almighty God. Feel free to make a copy, cut it out, using clear packaging tape, attach it onto 4×6 index card. Please share with others. Yes, I have been scammed and hacked, but I was NOT compromised, thanks to Almighty God’s steadfast love and mighty power.
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God’s Hedge of Protection:
Affirmation to say aloud (at least) once a day.
Confession: “No evil shall befall me, neither shall any plague,
(fire, flood, Coronavirus or variants) come near me or my dwell. For You
given Your angels charge over me. They keep me in all my ways. In my path-
way is life, healing and health (Ps. 91:10.11; Prov. 12:28).
From: Charles Capps, God’s Creative Powers For Healing, Read: pg.72.
Psalm 91:10-11 ”No harm will overtake you nor disaster will come near your
tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all
your ways.”
Isaiah 55:11 (NIV) “So is My Word that goes out from My mouth: It will not
return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose
for which I sent it.”
