WARNING...New Credit Card 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 &
MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to
protect yourself.
My husband was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday
from MasterCard".
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, "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 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 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 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.
Mama Grizz
havent seen ya on the boards in a while! thanks for the info ;) thats a GRIZZ for ya , always helping out ;)
Good info. If a credit card place calls me and asks for my info I ask for their name and department, hang up and then call back the number on the credit card.
wow. glad ya posted. i prob. would've fallen for it. thanks
My question is how did they get a hold of your credit card in the first place? I know people can pull your credit report but the last 4 digits are "X". So they don't have them? The 3 digit code is the SPC (aka Signature Panel Code). And yes credit card companies already have it. Some merchants require it for a purchase via internet or phone but some don't. Visa and Mastercard used to have a fraud liability coverage for 50$ and up but about 2 yrs ago it's no at 0$ fraud liability.
But what I recommend is that if anybody calls and states they are calling from you credit card company. Tell them that you want to verify they're legit. Hang up and call the # on the back of the card. I used to work for a credit card company for 6 yrs. I've seen some pretty funny and weird things. -Mark
It's not my card it was sent to me from a friend.
But the thieves can try random card # and then get the info . Just 2 month's ago somebody
randomly pulled Claude's card # and charged $ 2250 for something in Germany. The credit card co called and verified it was not Claude but the thieves still got the purchase and the credit card co. had to write it off.
Claude still had the card in the safe at home. We kept it as a spare in case of emergency and had never used it. The charge never cost us anything. But it cost everyone in higher interest rate.
Mama Grizz
Quote from: Old_School on September 09, 2005, 09:25:00 AM
My question is how did they get a hold of your credit card in the first place? I know people can pull your credit report but the last 4 digits are "X". So they don't have them? The 3 digit code is the SPC (aka Signature Panel Code). And yes credit card companies already have it. Some merchants require it for a purchase via internet or phone but some don't. Visa and Mastercard used to have a fraud liability coverage for 50$ and up but about 2 yrs ago it's no at 0$ fraud liability.
But what I recommend is that if anybody calls and states they are calling from you credit card company. Tell them that you want to verify they're legit. Hang up and call the # on the back of the card. I used to work for a credit card company for 6 yrs. I've seen some pretty funny and weird things. -Mark
They might work in a store that you made a purchase.
thnx 4 da info ill tell my mom bout it
Thanks for looking out for us all MAMA GRIZZ.
Thanks for the info!!
WOW :o
were has grizz been?
DID HE CHAGE HIS NAME AFTER GETTING 800CC 4X4
CAN WE SEE SOME PIC'S OF THEM?
Thanks for the heads up on the card scam. I have been getting a lot of fake e-mails trying to get account info.
What a world we live in. Thank for the info Mama Grizz. :(
1) Never give that 3-digit to anyone who calls your home or business. A credit card company wouldnever ask you for that 3-digit number.
2) Get privacy director on your phone and ignore those calls.
3) Regardless, you're not responsible for the fraudulent charges.
Quote from: TurboBanshee_kid on September 09, 2005, 09:36:30 PM
were has grizz been?
DID HE CHAGE HIS NAME AFTER GETTING 800CC 4X4
CAN WE SEE SOME PIC'S OF THEM?
Pictures of bikes http://www.atvflorida.com/forum/index.php/topic,4747.0.html
:Fp thanks mamma Grizz
BTW HOW ARE THOSE NEW TOYS??
Their great plenty of power with very comfortable ride , only problem their just gas guzzlers. I want to give you alot of credit sport66 you have a great attitude and I want to wish you alot of luck.
Mama Grizz
Thanks for letting me know.