I tried logging onto my credit card web site to check the balance so I could pay the bill but it refused my password and user name 3 times. So I had to call a number and give a Customer Service Rep ( CSR ) the security error code on the page.

sam: Hi! I can’t log into the account information website. The page says error WESCREWU1.
CSR: No problem sir, let me just verify your information. Oh, it says here your account is locked because of multiple attempts to access the account with incorrect login information. Your password has been reset and sent to you in an email. It’s good for the next X minutes for one time use only.
sam: Great! Fantastic! Thank you very much!
CSR: Since you’re waiting for your password in the mail, let me tell you about a special new offer for our special customers. This service protects you in the event of identity theft. Imagine if someone gained access to your accounts through a compromised password. Well, you don’t need to worry any longer about that, because you are covered. Our competitors are charging X, but since you’ve been such a valuable customer your rate is Y.
sam: Great! Fantastic! Thank you no very much!
CSR: Are you sure sir? Imagine if an email with information about your accounts was misplaced, or was never delivered? Identity theft has even happened to Tiger Woods. What would you do?
sam: I’d do like Tiger and get engaged to a pretty Norweigan girl, do a few Buick commercials, then call you and complain.
CSR: Sure you don’t want to consider the 30 day free trial period?
sam: I’ll be on my way now.

After I hung up, I realized I’d been telemarketed in reverse. Maybe these weasels can’t call us anymore, but sooner or later, if something we use that they provide breaks, we’ll have to call them and our guard will be down because we need help. Now that’s just evil.