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
> 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 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
> 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.
>
> 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 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 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.
Rob Graham