The Beagle Log, 14 September - Credit Card Scam

Subject: The Beagle Log, 14 September - Credit Card Scam Thu 13 Sep 2007 - 23:52

This is a new credit card scam in the US. Thought I'd share it with you.

Quote:

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 w atching 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 ar e 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 ha ve 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. 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.

My basic rule is, I never give out information to people who call me. I will only give out information when I initiate the call.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Don

I concure with that Don and you should never give out any information to cold caller.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Maxine
Friendship~
Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down. - Oprah Winfrey

Good Afternoon

I have a "display caller number" phone, so if I don't know the number I don't answer. Also an answer machine can be useful, if it's a genuine call the caller will usually leave a message. But if you have none of above you can always say "sorry they don't live here anymore"

JFS

Hola everyone!

This is really to see whether my new avatar works!
Adios Gillian

Hola Maxine!
I think you asked about my avatar? Well, it is a photo I took of a hibiscus flower on the bush in our garden here in Spain. The flowers are quite dramatic when they open but sadly only last about 24 hours. If they don't like the weather for some reason the buds will drop off which can be very disappointing! Frequently I go out and 'talk' to the bush and so far I have not been locked up!

Hasta la vista, Gillian

Hola everyone,

That certainly is a beautiful photo - your flower avatar Gillian.

Yes, its most annoying. isn't it, when cold-callers phone & they say - something like - "who am I speaking to please?"
I say "no - who am I speaking to?" then they start the "trying to sell you something gab". I think it should be made illegal, even if its a legitimate company.

Well - off to do a bit of gardening now- so see y'all later Very Happy

Carole