a new Visa / Mastercard Scam ...

[capnjuan]

" ... they'll pluck your eyes out Jack ..." Warren Zevon

Read and heed folks ... it 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 last 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 last 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.

___________

The real VISA/MC doesn't 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.

:evil:

 

[6L6]

Thanks for posting!

 

[dapmdave]

Thanks for putting this up, CJ. Words to the wise!

Dave

 

[Bikerdoc]

It's absolutely astounding how many people are so gullible. As long as the elderly keep falling victim to scum bags I will have a hard time admitting to being an old folk. While it's not just the elderly that takes a hit, they can certainly suffer a great deal more than the rest.

My phones are blocked. Absolutely no unrestricted numbers or marketters can get through. But there's always the internet. The number of scams is astronomical and you "always" have to be wary. These people certainly don't add to a positive view of humanity.

Thanks CJ. This is something that needs a constant watch.

Peace

 

[fronobulax]

The general rule of never giving sensitive information out on the phone unless you initiated the call applies. A truly paranoid person would ask for (or note) a name, badge number, extension and department and then say "I'll call you back" and hang up. You then call the number on the back of the card (which you trust since you dialed the call), ask to speak to the Fraud department and then repeat the conversation. If it is a legitimate Fraud investigation then you will get connected to the person who called at which point you can probably trust them. If it is not legitimate then you will probably be contributing data to an ongoing investigation of the scammers.

That said, it is a pretty slick pitch and it might have caught me. What is scary is the scammers already have my name, address, phone and card number and are really just fishing for the info that lets them use the card over the phone and at some internet sites.

Interestingly, when I was contacted by the Fraud department of my credit card company they told me they details of a transaction and then asked if I had authorized it. That was a Yes or No question that did not require me to reveal any information. They trusted me because I answered the phone number they had on file and dialed.

 

[poser]

...That said, it is a pretty slick pitch and it might have caught me...

That's one of the ways they get you. The call catches you off guard and then the accurate information they give you suckers you in. IT looks pretty obvious when reading about it. but when you get the call they manage to deflect your defenses in the wrong direction.
I guess that's why those folks are called confidence artists. :x

 

[spiderman]

My rule is never give any credit card info out to a caller. If the card company calls, I say thanks and I will call back to the phone number on the back of the card.
No matter what, that way I will be initiating the call. The same applies if I get a call from a vendor, I find the vendor's number and call back. I have been scammed in the past, did not cost me anything but time. Interestingly the first time it happened was 15+ years ago, on a card that was fraudulently obtained with my SS # probably. I reported the theft to the company security office and my state attorney general office. The so-called "bad debt" was sold to a collection agency. The first time the agency called I explained the situation, case number all that nonsense and that was it, I thought :wink: Three years later :!: I get a call from another collection agency :x I informed the caller that the case was settled and if I received another call I would report them to the state attorney general. That was it. It ain't over until its over.
Late last year I had another hijack on a legitimate card, this time it was different, very pleasant dealings with the card people, so it can go well.
The best policy to follow is that in place in the old USSR by ordinary citizens, information is valuable, hand it out very carefully.

Harmony H-173 bought in 1960 (retired), Alvarez AC60S 2008, Eastman AC320ce 2008 "Hybrid", Guild GAD-JF30E(blonde) 2008, Guild D25M 1974, Martin Grand J35E 2009, Martin D12-20 1970, Martin OM-21 2009, Voyage-air VAOM-06 2010
"I'm glad there are a lot of guitar players pursuing technique as diligently as they possibly can, because it leaves this whole other area open to people like me."
Richard Thompson