Visa/Mastercard Credit Card scam...

[griffey_mojo]

I recieved this email from a very reliable source....and he recieved it from the people that used to babysit his kids, and the husband of that family is a cop.

So this could be another hoax, but it's always to be better safe than sorry.








Just so you are aware.................





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 & Master Card 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: 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 in 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.


Please pass this on to all your family and friends. By informing each other, we protect each other.

[tkim11]

I used to work for MBNA. We dont ask you for shit as long as you call from your home phone. The only way we ask you questions like that (cvc code) is if you call us and want to do a balance transfer. And you still dont have to tell us that kind of info. Dont ever answer any calls from credit company, no matter what they say. When they call, tell them you'll call them back. Use the 800 number on the back of your card and ask speak to customer service. If they cannt help you, they'll send you over to the fraud department. If you guys ever need help with identity theft (credit cards), I'll tell you exactly what to do.

[BettorsChat]

How do they know your credit card # already though?

[LSUMONSTER]

Thanks for the info. Griffey. Glad you caught them crooks before they made more damages to your credit.

[tkim11]

How do they know your credit card # already though?

Some go through your trash and look for cc statements. Spend the 50 dollars and get a shredder. I shred everything.

[Shifty]

They know your credit card number or even checking account info from several different ways. They can buy lists from marketing companies, they can buy lists from credit reporting agencies or buy lists from other mail and phone order companies. It is a very lucritive business selling lists and exchanging information. Here are some ways to avoid being on one of these lists. Never fill out any little vacation cards you see at malls or restaurants, never fill out anything that gives you a chance to win something; like a car, boat, money, etc. never purchase magazine subscriptions with a check or credit card, never purchase anything from an info-mercial with a check or credit card and never purchase anything from Time-Life. All of these types of companies sell all of your information in one form or another. How do you think companies know your address for junk mail or telemarketing calls.