Credit Card Telephone Scam

The caller 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 the victim replies, "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?" When the victim replies "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 and asks “Do you need me to read it again?”

Here's the IMPORTANT part of how the scam works. The caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card". He'll ask the victim to "turn your card over and look for some numbers".

There are 7 numbers on the back of Visa and MasterCard credit cards. The first 4 are part of the card number. The next 3 are the security numbers typically used to make Internet purchases. The caller then asks the victim to read the 3 numbers to him. After the victim tells 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?" When the victim responds “No”, the caller then thanks the victim and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up.

The victim actually says very little and they are lulled into believing that the individual calling is actually a Visa or MasterCard representative since they provide personal information such as the credit card number and issuer.

Please note that Visa nor MasterCard will call to request this kind of information because they already maintain it on file. If you receive a call similar to this one, hang up and call Visa or MasterCard directly to report it.