This was posted on a bulletin board that I frequent and should be of interest:
This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & Master Card Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you’ll be better prepared to protect yourself. One of our employees was called on Wednesday from ‘VISA’, and I was called on Thursday from ‘Master Card’.
The scam works like this: Person calling says, ‘This is (name), and I’m calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I’m calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in Arizona ?’ When you say ‘No’, the caller continues with, ‘Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?’ You say ‘yes’. The caller continues - ‘I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. ‘Do you need me to read it again?’
Here’s the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The caller then says, ‘I need to verify you are in possession of your card.’ He’ll ask you to ‘turn your card over and look for some numbers.’ There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers’ that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he’ll say, ‘That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?’ After you say, ‘No,’ the caller then thanks you and states, ‘Don’t hesitate to call back if you do’, and hangs up. You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to our card.
Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA
account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don’t give it to them. Instead, tell them you’ll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers
your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you’re receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you’ll see charges for
purchases you didn’t make, and by then it’s almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
Note from Joyce: After attending a big tradeshow where I place lots of large orders, I usually get a call from my credit card company checking for fraud. The difference between the call I get and the above narrative is that the company does not ask for any credit card information. They only ask if I made such and such a charge and I say Yes or No. So far, they have all been Yes. So make sure that you don’t give these thieves any of the information from te credit card itself.
5 users commented in " Beware of New Identity Theft - Credit Card Scam "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackIt’s important that we take heed on giving out our personal informations. The above experience might as well teach the readers on how they are going to handle situations like that. Identity theft, being one of the major problems in online industry too, must be given full attention also. Like in real life situations of identity hacking, Internet users must also be very careful in keeping their personal informations private as much as possible. Because if you do broadcast or neglect to protect them, it’s like giving out your SSN number too.
I used to work for a Bank and it is quite remarkable how creative thieves can be.
I do know that under no circumstances should you provide any numbers over the phone when someone is calling you.
I had my credit card compromised once. The Bank called and said I new one would be reissued — end of story. They did not give details of what happened including if any charges or attempts were made on my card (none where). They said contact your Branch or contact the number on the back of the card only.
My wife’s Visa was compromised about 6 years ago. All she found out was that a box of blank unsigned credit cards (one included her number) was picked up by US customs (we are Canadian). All cards in the box were immediately cancelled — period. No calls to check, no addresses requested period. Again she was instructed to call the visa center only.
Basically, I guess if they ask for any information there is a good chance it is fraud.
I actually work for a credit consumer advocacy group and yes the author is right - never give out personal information to someone claiming to be from your credit card company. If anything just offer that you will call the number on the back of your credit card and they can talk to you that way. Another scam to be careful with is credit cards at the pump. Some stations have been caught in my area rigging them with card readers to save the information. Not saying this is common at all but just be sure to keep tabs on your statements is all.
We all have to be a lot more careful now a days as to what we say to others over the phone and over the internet. People are desperate for money and they are willing to do anything to get it.
Excellent blog post.. I run an Australian Credit Card Website and we try to help people be aware of Credit Card scams.
The more exposure the better.
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