I just got a call from 866-418-8151. The caller asked for my credit card number and I did not feel comfortable giving it to her. I called the official number on the back of my card and Bank of Montreal(BMO) checked the telephone number and said that not only was it NOT a BMO number, they would NEVER ask you to give them your credit card number over the phone.
Please do not be fooled by online scammers who are claiming the numbers are legitimate. Always call BMO directly at the telephone number on their website (https://www.bmo.com/) or at the telephone number at the back of your credit card. Doing this will ensure you are talking to BMO and not scammers attempting to trick you into calling them at some fake telephone numbers.
A Sample of a "BMO Credit Card Security Alert " Email Scam
From: <bmoalerts@bmo.com>
Date: Wed, Apr 18, 2018, 2:25 PM
Subject: BMO Credit Card Security Alert Ref: 357014
BMO – We’re here to help.
BMO Credit Card Security Alert.
We’ve noticed irregular activity on your BMO® credit card. To avoid any unauthorized transactions, your card ending in 5362 has been restricted.
For a quick resolution, please call us toll-free at 1-866-418-8151(Canada and United States), or contact the Canadian Operator collect at 416-849-9003 to speak with a Fraud Specialist.You may also reach us at the phone number on the back of your BMO credit card.
If you have already spoken to us about this issue, please disregard this email.
Thanks,
BMO Bank of Montreal
How does the Bank of Montreal(BMO) Scam work?
The scammers send emails or text messages to their potential victims, or call their potential victims' numbers and leave a voice message, asking them to call the fake telephone numbers. If the potential victims call the numbers, they will be asked by a human or an Automated Interactive Voice Response system to enter their credit card and other information. If the requested information is entered, it will be sent to the cybercriminals behind the scam, who will use it fraudulently.
Therefore, BMO customers who have been tricked by the scam are asked to contact BMO for help immediately at the telephone number at the back of their cards.