How To Avoid The Latest Credit Card Scam - Stealing Your Card Verification Code.

This scam starts with a phone call usually at yourworks. The caller then says, "I need to verify you
home. The callers do not ask for your cardare in possession of your card". He'll ask you to
number, they already have it. By understanding"turn your card over and look for some numbers".
how the VISA & MasterCard TelephoneThere are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your
Credit Card Scam works, you'll be bettercard number, the next 3 are the CVV numbers
prepared to protect yourself or staff.that verify you are the possessor of the card.
The scam works like this: Person calling says,These are the numbers you sometimes use to
"This is (name), and I'm calling from the Securitymake Internet purchases to prove you have the
and Fraud Department at VISA.card. The caller will ask you to read the 3
My Badge number is 12457. Your card has beennumbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3
flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'mnumbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed
calling to verify. This would be on your VISA cardto verify that the card has not been lost or
which was issued by (name of bank). Did youstolen, and that you still have your card.
purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device forDo you have any other questions?" After you
$497.99 from asay No, the caller then thanks you and states,
Marketing company based in Arizona?""Don't hesitate to call back if you do." and hangs
When you say "No", the caller continues with,up.
"Then we will be issuing a credit to your account.You actually say very little, and they never ask
This is a company we have been watching andfor or tell you the Card number.
the charges range from $297 to $497, just underWhat the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN
the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards.number on the back of the card. Don't give it to
Before your next statement, the credit will bethem. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master
sent to (gives you your address), is thatcard directly for verification of their conversation.
correct?"Your credit card company will never ask for
You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will beanything on the card as they already know the
starting a Fraud investigation. If you have anyinformation since they issued the card! If you give
questions, you should call the 1-800 number listedthe scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think
on the back of your card and ask for Security.you're receiving a credit. However, by the time
You will need to refer to this Control Number. Theyou get your statement you'll see charges for
caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do youpurchases you didn't make, and by then it's
need me to read it again?"almost too late or more difficult to actually file a
Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scamfraud report.