***OT****
re: credit card scams...came to me in an email
This is the slickest I have seen yet. This sounds like something almost
anyone would fall for, even an informed consumer.
I'm not one to send out chain e-mail or hoax virus warnings, etc., but
this one really got my attention and I want to pass it on to you, my
friends...
This is a new Credit Card Scam a friend made me aware of so I'm
passing it along.
Art S
...........................
Both VISA and MasterCard told me that this scam is currently being
worked throughout the Midwest, with some variance as to the product or
amount, and if you are called, just hang up.
My husband was called on Wednesday from "VISA" and I was called in
Thursday from "MasterCard". It worked like this: Person calling says,
"This is Carl Patterson (e.g.,any 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 issued by 5th/3rd 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 800 number
listed on your card 1-800-VISAand ask for Security. You will need to
refer to this Control #".Then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need
me to read it again?" Caller then says he "needs to verify you are in
possession of your card. Turn the card over. There are 7 numbers;first 4
are 1234 (whatever) the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you
are in possession of the card. These are the numbers you use to make
internet purchases to prove you have the card. Read me the 3 numbers."
Then he says "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? Don't hesitate to call back if you do."
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 dept. told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new
purchase of $497.99 WAS put on our card.
Long story made short . .we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA
card and they are reissuing as a new number. What the scam wants is the
3 digit number and that once the charge goes through, they keep charging
every few days. By the time you get your statement, you think the credit
is coming, and then its harder to actually file a fraud report. The real
VISA reinforced that they will never ask for anything on the card (they
already know).
What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from
"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), and they said they are taking several of
these reports daily and to tell friends, relatives and coworkers. |
