Products & Services > Debit Card Alert
Just a heads up for everyone regarding credit/debit fraud. This scam has been around a while and may be rearing its ugly head again. Wanted all of you with credit or debit cards to be aware of that possibility.
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.
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 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. If this occurs during banking hours, call the bank.
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.
It appears that this is a very active scam, and evidently quite successful.
Please remember...NEVER give your card information to anyone you do not know. The bank or credit card company will not call you and ask for this information.
Always use phone numbers you know to be accurate when calling your bank or credit card company when making inquiries on your accounts or cards.
Please refer to the Bank of New Madrid's website under the Customer Education tab for tips on how to be safe when using your card and tips on how to keep your confidential information secure. Also watch for our consumer tips, fraud alerts and virus alerts for up to date information on those issues.
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