Bulletin Board

VISA and Master Card Scam

It starts out with you receiving a call from a person saying they are from the Security and Fraud Department of either VISA or Master Card. They will give you their name and a badge number. 

They tell you that your card has been flagged for an unusual purchased pattern, and they are calling to verify it.  They would say that this activity is on your (type of card) issued by (name of your bank) and your 16 digit account number of (which they already have and they read it to you).  They ask you if you purchased an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497 from a Marking Company based in?

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 this 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 and ask for Security."

"You will need to refer to this Control Number." The caller then gives you a 6 digit number.

The caller then says. "I need to verify you are in possession of your card." He will ask you to turn it over and look for the numbers on the back.  He will ask you to read him the 3 digit security numbers (THIS IS WHAT THEY ARE REALLY AFTER) to verify that you are in possession of the card.  He'll say, "That is correct, I needed to verify that your card has not been list or stolen.  Do you have any questions?"

You actually say very little.  It seem very legitimate, because somehow they already have all your information (except that 3 digit code on the back)

If you were to check your credit card on line and see the charge, it would not surprise you because you were already told you about.  So you don't bother to do anything about it until you don't receive the credit you were told you would receice and they have received your money.

Michigan Community Development