This scam usually starts with a call to your home. The people on the phone don't ask for your card number because they already know it. If you know how the VISA and MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you will be better able to protect yourself or your employees.
The person who calls says, "Hello, my name is (name), and I'm calling from VISA's Security and Fraud Department.
The number on my badge is 12457. Your card has been flagged because of a strange pattern of purchases, so I'm calling to check. This is on your VISA card, which was given to you by (name of bank). Did you buy a device to stop telemarketers for $497.99 from a
"Is Arizona home to a marketing company?"
If you say "No," the person on the phone says, "Then we'll put a credit on your account." This is a company we've been keeping an eye on, and the charges range from $297 to $497, which is just below the $500 pattern of purchases that most cards flag. The credit will be sent to (gives you your address), before your next bill, is that right?"
You say "yes". The caller says, "I'm going to start an investigation into fraud. Call the 1-800 number on the back of your card and ask for Security if you have any questions.
You need to keep this Control Number in mind. The person on the phone then gives you a six-digit number. "Should I go over it again?"
Here's the MOST IMPORTANT part of how the scam works. The person on the phone then says, "I need to make sure you have your card." He'll tell you to "flip over your card and look for some numbers." There are seven numbers. The first four are part of your card number, and the next three are the CVV numbers that prove you own the card.
When you buy something on the Internet, you may use these numbers to prove that you own the card. The person on the phone will ask you to tell him the three numbers. After you give the 3 numbers, the caller will say, "That's right. I just wanted to make sure the card hasn't been lost or stolen and that you still have it."
Have you got anything else to ask?" When you say "No," the caller thanks you and tells you, "Don't be afraid to call back if you change your mind." and hangs up.
You don't say much, and they never ask you for or give you your Card number.
The three-digit PIN number on the back of the card is what the thieves want. Don't let them have it. Tell them that you'll call VISA or Mastercard directly to confirm what they said.
Your credit card company will never ask you for information on the card because they already have it and know what it says. If you give the scammers your 3-digit PIN number, you think you're getting a credit. But when you get your statement, you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and it may be too late or hard to file a fraud report at that point.
