Guest 739- Registered: 16 Jan 2012
- Posts: 85
I got this email from my cousin and am passing it on as it seems another shiny new scam is about and this seems the bast way to get info out there. Sorry it's a bit long but it's worth reading in case we start getting these phone calls. Luckily I don't own a credit card but I'm probably in a minority these days.
Just in case, NEVER give out the 3-digit security number on the back of your cards.
SCAM ALERT - This has been passed on via another Force area through our own Fraud Department In Wiltshire Constabulary, and it is a very convincing SCAM. We have been asked to disseminate the information as widely and was quickly as we can through Neighbourhood Watch, School Safe and others.
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.
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 scam. 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 scam is happening .
I think we are all guinea pigs in the middle of an experiment for which they have forgotten to set up a control group!
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
Thanks for letting us know all that Jen. Yes there are so many scammers...and it just doesnt happen to someone else. One of the chaps at our Christmas do had his bank cleared out when someone hacked his details so its important to always keep vigilant.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Thanks Jen.
Are you sure it's not a hoax scam, there's plenty of them about too.
I usually look on the internet for hoax scams and up pops a site with hundreds of them; I'll have a look later to see if it's genuine or a hoax.
Roger
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
all looks very complicated, i only have a debit card nowadays.
the only time i use it online is with argos and p & o an d they always ask for the 3 digit number as a security check.
worth reminding people also that if they get a dodgy looking e mail, do not open the attatchment.
Guest 665- Registered: 24 Mar 2008
- Posts: 345
You're right Roger, here it is, dating back to 2007.
[URL]http://www.hoax-slayer.com/card-security-code-scam.html/[URL]
That said though, the writer of the article does state that
"Although the specific CVV2/CVC2 scam described may not occur as often as implied, the advice in the message is nevertheless worth heeding.
You should never provide account information to anyone claiming to be from a credit card provider, the financial institution that issued the card or any other company, without first effectively verifying the identity of the caller."
Guest 665- Registered: 24 Mar 2008
- Posts: 345
Sorry I never seem to be able to get the hang off making the URLs live! Help!
Guest 722- Registered: 23 Aug 2011
- Posts: 97
I have always thought one way to limit these "thefts" from credit cards was to only alow items ordered by phone or over the internet to be sent to the address at which the card is registered. That way anyone using your card fraudulently would see all their items turn up at your house. i know it would make it dificult to buy flowers for my mother for mothers day but maybe we could register a list of "approved" addresses with the credit card company. As it stands anyone can order anything to any address anywhere.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
claire
if you click url down in the bottom right hsnd corner two will appear, then click paste in the centre of them and it will work.
Guest 665- Registered: 24 Mar 2008
- Posts: 345
Thats what I did Howard. I have come to the conclusion it just doesn't like me!
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
will leave it to paul then he knows how to make them live.
Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,888
Claire you have to have the / inside the second set of brackets not outside. eg [/URL]
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Guest 665- Registered: 24 Mar 2008
- Posts: 345
Guest 686- Registered: 5 May 2009
- Posts: 556
You beat me to it Jan.
I will invariably check for hoax scams on Hoax Slayer (or just Google it). Actually I can't recall the last time someone actually circulated a genuine scam warning!
Phil West
If at first you don't succeed, use a BIGGER hammer!!
Guest 739- Registered: 16 Jan 2012
- Posts: 85
I'm one of the "forewarned is forearmed" types I'm afraid and I think if it just reminds people to be aware that there are people out there who want to get their mitts on our money then it can't be a bad thing. Julie got it from her local neighbourhood watch rep as there are a lot of elderly people in her area who maybe vulnerable to these sorts of try-ons.
I think we are all guinea pigs in the middle of an experiment for which they have forgotten to set up a control group!
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
I agree Jen.
Roger
Guest 686- Registered: 5 May 2009
- Posts: 556
If there is a genuine scam then by all means pass the information around your local network. Passing around hoax scams achieves nothing more than a jammed in-box!
Phil West
If at first you don't succeed, use a BIGGER hammer!!
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
I love your term 'genuine scam', now there's an oxymoron for you!
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 686- Registered: 5 May 2009
- Posts: 556
Ooops.
I guess you're right Peter. Maybe I should rephrase that to "real scam" or something. I know what I meant anyway - just hope everyone else did too!
Phil West
If at first you don't succeed, use a BIGGER hammer!!
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Yes of course Phil - a real scam, as opposed to a hoax scam.
Roger
Guest 710- Registered: 28 Feb 2011
- Posts: 6,950
Ignorance is bliss, bliss is happiness, I am happy...to draw your attention to the possible connectivity in the foregoing.
