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Security > Credit card
phone scam |
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Credit Card Phone
Scam
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By mySeniorSite Staff
A
new scam recently surfaced in British Columbia and
has already claimed numerous victims. Here is how it
works:
The
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 critical part of the scam:
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 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.
One
victim had an uneasy feeling after giving the
information and called the REAL Visa Security
Department. The victim was told that a purchase of
497.99 had just been charged to their card.
Another potential victim received an identical call
from “Jason Richardson of MasterCard.”
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 credit
card companies will tell you they never ask for
anything on the card as they already know the
information since they issued the card!
Giving the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number allows
them to make fraudulent charges on your credit card.
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.
There have been instances where airline tickets in
excess of $3,000 have been charged to unsuspecting
victim’s credit cards.
If
you receive a similar telephone call, hang up and
report the call to your local police immediately. Do
not, under any circumstances, give your three-digit
credit card PIN to anyone.
This
is a very active and successful scam.
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