Coles shoppers fear scam after “ridiculous request” in email
Thousands of Coles Mastercard shoppers feared the worst after being sent a “ridiculous” email from the supermarket, asking them to confirm their personal details.
9news.com.au reports shoppers were sent an email asking for their credit card number, CCV number and PIN, which sounds like a typical scam.
But what makes this case stranger, is it was completely legit.
72-year-old Ann Brown, who first registered for her Coles Mastercard two years ago, told 9news.com.au that the email sent alarm bells ringing.
"It was ridiculous," she said.
"We see it on TV all the time - don't give out your personal information."
Coles first launched the card through GE Money, but recently switched to Citibank. Now thousands of customers needed to re-register their online accounts.
Nine Finance Editor Ross Greenwood said asking for a PIN was "really unusual".
"It goes completely against what, normally, banks would ask you to do," he said.
"It's not a scam, that's pretty obvious - but it's not smart administration to go against what is the normal security protocol that people are told."
Coles and Citibank say the email was meant to "help customers through the transition".
They added an assurance that the info is protected.
But customers like Ms Brown might need more reassurance.
"I am prepared now to cut up my card," she said.
What are your thoughts?