મેડાવો.org

Read this recent post that someone has posted. I think it’s a good warning! It’s safer to call any customer/help services, bank, websites, rather than receive the call & give information. Similarly, it’s safer to open a new web browser and type in the webaddress rather than click on any links in email messages.
____

CREDIT CARD SCAM: By understanding how this VISA and MasterCard telephone credit card scam works, you’ll be better prepared to protect yourself. Callers do not ask for your card number. They already have it from another source. The scam works like this:

1) Person calling says, “This is (name), and I’m calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is (number). 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 (or whatever) for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in Arizona?”

2) 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 their 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?”

3) If 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?”

4) 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 and 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. *********************(DO NOT DO THIS)*********************

5) If 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?” If none, the caller 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.

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 Master card directly for verification of their conversation. VISA/MasterCard would 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. Upon calling VISA or Master card for verification you will receive instructions on any further action required.