Scam Warning

[freakyleaky]

Its not a new [problem] its actually been going on for some time.

At this time of the year the [problematic] take advantage of the fact that people are more easily caught off guard since they are busy planning Christmas and have their hands full. SO BE WARY!!!!

This one is pretty slick since they provide Y O U 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 [problem] 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 [problem] 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 London?" 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 0800 number listed on the back of your card (0800-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 [problem] 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 [problem] 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 [problematic] 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 MasterCard 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 [problematic] 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 [problem]. 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 [problem] is happening .

 

[The GodMother]

Thanks for that freakyleaky. I have cards with both visa and mastercard so l will be looking out for this.

 

Just a question for you but do they only call landlines? as one is under my landline and the other is under my mobile.

[PI Guy]

Never give out security answers to INCOMING calls. Ask them their name and department and telephone number then ring the number on the back of your card and ask to be put through to them.

 

You will then have to pass their security questions before you get through.

 

I always have a big go at them when they ring me and and ask me for those details as its a breach of security.

[Guest vortex]

I hate people calling me and so when they ask me to confirm MY DETAILS i simply refuse to as they have called me. They can send a letter out if it is that important to know with contact details.

[Hopeful1]

Thanks for sharing that. I've just rung my mom to tell her. I posted on my thread yesterday that someone in the Phillipines has been attempting to make purchases on my card. Luckily Halifax were aware of problems over there and stopped all transactions.

 

It is likely i have used a dodgy cash point or retailer - i suspect it could be a petrol station i've used. Beware everyone! I will now try to use the same local petrol station and avoid using external cash points when possible.

 

Please note: the bank did not ask me to clarify any bank / card details just the usual security - name, date of birth and so forth.

[The GodMother]

I dont confirm my details any way l was just wondering if they call but mobiles and landlines.

 

I have informed loads of ppl about this aswell.

 

Chrissi

[freakyleaky]

It doesn't matter how they contact you, whether it is land-line or mobile it can still be a [problem] call. They have acquired your details from somewhere so could therefore have LL or mobile number for you.

People tend to be cautious but once they are convinced that it is a genuine call it is amazing how much information they will divulge.

I never give out details over the phone to someone who contacts me.