Scams

lapbander081004 · February 19, 2005

Now that we are using our credit cards to buy new clothes and all I thought that this information would be helpful.

This is probably the most realistic Scam I have read.

I will not give anyone any personal information until I am given a phone number to contact to check on the need for them to have the information.

But after reading the follwoing I'd have to admitt they may have gotten me on this one.

We have to be so careful with our information.

PLEASE READ AND PASS ON TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY

By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself. Those con artists get more creative every day.

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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, "he needs 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 him the 3 numbers.

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 made 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 the conversation.

The real VISA told us that they would 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 to late and/or more

difficult to actually file a fraud report.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of MasterCard" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports

daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is

happening.

Please pass this on to all your family and friends. By

informing each other, we protect each other.

paula · February 19, 2005

Thanks Greg for this information.

Gosh, you are right, I too wouldve been eager to get my card out and read them any numbers *thinking they were doing me a great deal of justice*.

Yikes!

HarleyNana · February 19, 2005

That sucks, I've been getting the fraudulent email messages about my paypal wanting me to confirm info. Beware

I'llsucceed · February 19, 2005

Having had my own identity stolen 5 yrs ago & after it taking over 2 years to clear it up this is one I would have fallen for. Thank you Greg for letting us know, I am going to inform my family/Friends today. Gosh I just HATE crooks!!!!

DeLarla · February 19, 2005

Greg, of all people to get scammed, sheesh. My credit card company calls all the time to verify excessive activity, but it's a recorded message telling me to contact the security department. Therefore, I'm the one calling my bank. But they never ask me to give them information. Careful people, the boogey man wants our dough!