New Credit Card Scam

[Rev'n Kevin]

I got this in an email from a friend and that I would pass this info on...

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 & MasterCard 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: 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 ?'

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.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a 'Jason Richardson of Master Card' 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.

[IMSHAKN]

Damn. That is a pretty good one. I've actually had almost that same exact convo with Wells Fargo earlier this year when someone got a hold of my account. Everything proceeded the exact same way except that instead of asking for the security code they then turned me over to their fraud center to verify my identity using last four of my SS and DOB. Then they closed the account and issued me a new one after some douche went on a $800 spending spree. However, the only reason my account was flagged is because my credit report is flagged for fraud for 5 years.

Scammers are getting better and better by the sounds of it.

[BOOMSHAKALAKA]

wow man these guys kill me...

about once a week at work, some people call and ask for our printer number off of our huge printer we have. the reason they do this is so they can buy ENORMOUS amounts of ink and bill our company. soo annoying... last time they called i told them to hold on a second that i would get it for them.... they sat on hold for almost an hour haha..... they called back.... so i went and got the numbers/letters for them and pretty much spelled out BITEME and they said "good one" and hung up lol

[El Jefe]

Had this happen to my Aunt about 8 years ago. Definitely not new. She lost thousands within an hour

[BOOMSHAKALAKA]

Had this happen to my Aunt about 8 years ago. Definitely not new. She lost thousands within an hour

got everything back i hope?

[El Jefe]

Ya eventually. They did quite a job on her credit too somehow. Took almost 3 years to straighten out.

AZ is #1 for credit theft in the country. If you dont have protection, get it! Either through your bank or insurance company. We offer it on our homeowners policies through Identity Shield. You need some sort of credit monitoring system

[1966PonyGirl]

watch your debit cards as well!!!!

both my boyfriend and a friend of mine had online purchases made a couple of times. it was a small purchase and nothing insane, but the second time, they got slammed with a huge amount. some how they had all the info to make the purchase. luckily they got all the charges taken off pretty quick. since these were bought online, they had to contact the FBI to file a report!

[IMSHAKN]

watch your debit cards as well!!!!

both my boyfriend and a friend of mine had online purchases made a couple of times. it was a small purchase and nothing insane, but the second time, they got slammed with a huge amount. some how they had all the info to make the purchase. luckily they got all the charges taken off pretty quick. since these were bought online, they had to contact the FBI to file a report!

I never use debit online as there is not the level of protection that you have with a credit card.

[wickedcobra]

Thanks for sharing.......I hate thieves..

[1966PonyGirl]

good call Imshakn!