WATCH OUT - NEW Visa / MasterCard FRAUD

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

This happened to some friends of ours so I thought I would pass this along to the BCA membership so they can be aware of the latest scam.


"Just a heads up for everyone regarding the latest in Visa fraud.
Royal Bank received this communication about the newest scam. This is
happening in the Midwest right now and moving this way.

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 '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 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. 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
were 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. 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 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. I dealt with a similar situation this morning,
with the caller telling me that $3,097 had been charged to my account for
plane tickets to Spain , and so on through the above routine...

It appears that this Is a very active scam, and evidently quite
successful.

Pass this on to all your family and friends"

If you get a call like this, remember NOT to ever give out the 3 number security code on the back of your card.

Anthony

NOTE: Posted this on BCA but realized that this type of fraud is nation-wide/continent-wide so posting here too.

[dsaundry]

Good heads up Anthony, hasn't hit me yet but I will be aware....

[hillegom]

Thanks Anthony and happy birthday

[Tom R]

Thanks Anthony

You always need to be on guard.

Tom R

[Veng68]

just got a call from "Computer security" I told him to take a hike.

just be aware the "Computer" scam is still around.

Cheers,
Vic

[chevyjaxon]

Agreed and do take note of this Under no circumstances, does Visa or any other credit card issuer ever ask for the 3 digit pin number on the back of the card. that number is there for you and you alone. never ever share that one with anyone no matter how persistant they are. good looking out man

[chevyjaxon]

so um, who wants to give me their credit card number?

[Brightwhite]

Thanks for the tip! Passing it along to everyone I know.