SCAM – Investigation for VISA/MASTERCARD

Both VISA/MasterCard warns the following scam is currently being worked, with some variance as to the product or amount, and if you are called, just hang up.

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 (credit) card which was issued by (various product) 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?”

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 seven 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 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.”

IMPORTANT: What the Scammer wants is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don’t give it to them!