I was trying to add my employer-provided commuter benefits card to Apple Pay. During the setup process, Apple Pay prompted me to verify my card and directed me to a phone number to complete the verification.
I’ve verified similar cards through Apple Pay before, so I didn’t think much of it. I trusted that Apple wouldn’t direct me to a potentially fraudulent number.
When I called, the representative asked me to verify my address, provide my full nine-digit Social Security number, and answer multiple-choice security questions about my previous addresses. After answering, I was told that I had failed the verification process and was instructed to contact the general customer service number listed on the back of my card(which the person provided).
When I called that number, the representative only asked for the last four digits of my Social Security number, rather than the full number. That’s when I started getting concerned. I asked him about the phone number Apple Pay had originally directed me to, but he said he wasn’t familiar with it.
What’s somewhat reassuring is that when I search the original phone number on Google, the results point to the commuter benefits provider’s website. However, I can’t find that specific number listed anywhere on their official website or contact pages.
I’m now concerned that I may have given my personal information to someone I shouldn’t have. At the time, I trusted the verification process because the number came directly from Apple Pay, but looking back, I feel like I may have placed too much trust in it.
I can’t tell whether this was a legitimate third-party verification service or a potential scam, and the fact that I provided my full Social Security number is making me very paranoid.