ArchiveFee.com PhoneNumber.us.org Reverse phone number lookup report scam - phishing! Internet

13th of Jan, 2013 by User824166

I was looking to get reverse phone number info on robo-calls originating in my state. On the PhoneNumber.us.org site, some widely available info was displayed when I entered the number in question. Further information on the owner and address of the number could be accessed for a mere $1.00 fee.

So I bit. PayPal wasn't offered, which bothered me a bit - just MC or Visa. I entered the usual info and agreed to the terms. My on-screen receipt said I'd get an email telling me how to receive my report. It came (straight to the spam folder) in about 10 minutes. I clicked the provided link, which took me to the ArchiveFee.com site, where the sign-in screen tried very hard to trick me into signing up for a $200/year unlimited service. No thanks.

Unfortunately, "my" account screens did not provide any further info on the phone number I was chasing. So I went to the reverse phone lookup tab and re-entered the number. A screen popped up demanding my home address, DOB, etc., in order to look up my driving records. I was really smoked by then, so when I found a live chat window, I responded with my order number. Here's what happened:

Alex: Upon review of your account, I can see that your original search was not accepted. It is possible that you needed to re-enter the search information upon your first login. I apologize for this inconvenience. In order to get your report; please re-enter the search details in your account and search at this time. There will be no additional charge for this as you are still covered under your original $1.00 processing fee which has processed to allow you access to your report.

Alex: You may login to your account by going to:

Alex: http://archivefee.com/

Alex: Would you like me to provide your login details to you?

you: That's what I did. I used the link in the email that was sent to me. There is no report available. When I enter the number in reverse phone lookup, I get a screen asking me to enter a code to validate searching my driving record. This is a malfunction.

Alex: This is not a malfunction.

Alex: To obtain a driving record you need to enter the authorization code, because these reports are very sensitive.

Alex: I apologize, please disregard that last message. It was sent to the wrong person.

Alex: To obtain a public record you need to enter the authorization code, because these reports are very sensitive.

Alex: Please download the form, fill it out and email to (((REDACTED))) and once our management will approve the form, you'll receive an email from them containing your Authorization code. Then you will be able to view your report.

Alex: Please download the form here:

Alex: (((REDACTED)))

you: I'm not looking for my driving record. I want a reverse phone lookup. When I enter the number, I get the driving record authorization. This is most definitely a malfunction. Where is my reverse phone number report???

Alex: To obtain a public record you need to enter the authorization code, because these reports are very sensitive.

Alex: Please download the form, fill it out and email to (((REDACTED)))

Alex: After receiving the Authorization code you have to login to your account and perform your search. When you click on search button a message box will appear asking for your Authorization code.

Alex: You have to submit your Authorization code there. That is all. After few moments of searching, system will show you your report.

you: This is not what I was promised when I signed up. I wanted and paid for a single reverse phone lookup.

Alex: You will get your report of reverse phone lookup after getting your Authorization code.

you: What assurance do I have that this personal information will not be misused? I question the legality of this request.

Alex: Your private information is encoded and encrypted by a 256 bit secure server. There is no way any unauthorized persons will be able to see your private data. We do this for fraud preventation.

you: This looks way too much like a phishing scam. Public records are just that - PUBLIC. I want my report with no further delay, or I will cancel the credit card payment.

Alex: This is not a scam.

Alex: Please allow me few moments so I can take some step to resolve the issue.

Alex: We do apologize for your inconvenience.

Alex: Let me talk to my Supervisor.

you: Both my on-screen receipt (I have a screen shot) and the email say my report is ready. Period. I want it now.

Alex: Your Authorization Code is : info9945

Alex: Now, you can access your report.

Did I get what I was looking for? Nope. The "report" exclaimed "Search unsuccessful!", then provided a few readily available demographics for the town where the number originates. Total ripoff!

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