Be prepared for this new type of credit card phone scam.
Note, the callers do not ask for your card number, THEY already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA and MASTERCARD Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you’ll be better prepared to protect yourself.
How the scam starts.
The Scam works like this: Person calling says, “This is (NAME), and I am calling from the Security and Fraud Department at Visa/Mastercard. 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/Mastercard 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 answer with “No.”
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 charges range from $297.00 to $497.00, 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” because you want the credit.
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 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 about how the scam works.
The caller then says, “I need you to verify that you are in possession of your card.”
They will ask you to “turn the 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 used to make internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to them. After you read the 3 numbers, the caller will say, “That is correct. I just need 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 then hangs up.
You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card Number. When you do call back, the REAL VISA SECURITY DEPARTMENT will tell you that a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to your card. You will have to close the card and be issued a new card. Then, you will need to file a Fraud / Identity Theft Police Report.