FRAUD ALERT: Credit Card/Telephone Scam
by Robin Slade
Thank you to Ann who forwarded the following Fraud Alert to us to spread the word to our readers:
This scam is being called the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam and the difference is that the fraudulent caller provides YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. The fraudulent callers do not ask for your credit card number; they already have it along with your name, address and telephone number. The scam works like this:
Fraud Caller: ‘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?’
Individual: ‘No’
Fraud Caller: ‘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?’
Individual: ‘Yes”
Fraud Caller: ‘I will be starting a Fraud investigation. You will need to refer to this Control Number. [The caller then gives you a 6 digit number.] In order to verify you are in possession of the card I will need the 3 digit security code on the back.
The last piece is the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The fraudulent caller will then state that he needs to verify you are in possession of your card. He’ll ask you to ‘turn your card over and give him the 3 digit 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 ask if you have any more questions and ends the call.
FraudAvengers reminds its readers that the first line of defense starts with you. to use diligence in protecting your sensitive data. If you receive a call from someone purporting to work for a credit card company, tell the caller you will call them back. Hang up and dial the phone number on the back of your credit card and to either confirm the caller’s legitimacy or to report the fraud.
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