Credit Card Scam

Hi People, a friend sent me this ... this apparently happened to someone she knows. So ... I pass it along just in case any of you get any weird calls like this:

The following was forwarded from the Chamber of Commerce: This is
for your information on a new Credit Card Scam.

The scam works like this:
Person calling says, "this is , 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 bank.
Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device 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 #" 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, "he needs 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 your card
number, the next 3 are the 'Security Numbers' that verify
you are in possession of the card. These are the
numbers you use to make Internet purchases to prove
you have the card. Read me the 3 numbers". 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. Do you have
any other questions?" After you say No, the caller then
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. But after we were called on
Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a
question. Are we glad we did! The REALVISA Security
Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15
minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charge on our
card.

Long story made short, we made a real fraud report and
closed the VISA card, and they are reissuing us a new
number. What the scammers wants 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 direct.
The real VISA told us that they will 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 to late and/or harder to
actually file a fraud report.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I
got a call from a "Jason Richardson of MasterCard" with
a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I
didn't let him finish. I hung up!

We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The
police said they are taking several of these reports daily!
They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this
scam is happening.

Please pass this on to all your friends.
By informing each other, we protect each other. Thanks
everyone!!!!!!!!!!

[Keith Webb]

They are soooo sneaky.
Thanks for the alert - these sorts of scams quickly go around the globe.

Yes ... scammers, spammers, blah blah blah. Hate them all!

Also ... and interesting bit of news I saw about a new registry for people who don't want calls from telemarketers. Some reputable charities are requesting exemptions though. There would be fines or some such, for telemarketing people/places who violate by calling people at home, especially if thy repeatedly call. I don't know much about this, but heard it would cost individuals $1500.oo (to register???? anyone else hear about/know about this registry???0

And collection agencies are notorious for harrassing ( I call it stalking people) at home, even calling peoples friends, family, neighbors, and workplaces, usually misrepresenting themselves etc ... and doorknockers looking to beg, or looking to sell something, including beliefs (looking for converts and saving souls)

Home ... HOME is the only place in the whole world where it would be nice to be respectfully left in peace, especially after saying NO.

Hmmmm ... think I'll pour another coffee and have a and thinkabout something that doesn't get me PO-ed

Karmen

MASTER SUNRAY,

You really DO like to move me around don't you? .... Once again ..... I am moved because the Commanding Officer demands it? Ekosi = "It is so." One must fallin or fallout then? Guess I'll accept fallin.

FIDO MA