Credit Card Scam
We are providing this warning about a credit card scam occurring in Canada so that you may prepare yourself should you become a target of these thieves.
Typically the scammers will call claiming to be investigating unusual activity on your credit card. The conversation is something like this:
This is (name) and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA (MasterCard or other credit card company). 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 (or MasterCard) 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?
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 number 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
The caller then and hangs up. In the converstion 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 your credit card. Instead of giving them this information, tell them you will call VISA or MasterCard directly for verification of the conversation.
Never give your 3-digit PIN number (on the back of your credit card) during one of these phone conversations.
The credit card companies never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card.
Report all fraud attempts to police and your credit card company.
 Visa Fraud Prevention Tips
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