This Is A Pretty Sophisticated Scam!
11-21-2005, 09:14 PM
#1
Chapter President
Thread Starter
This Is A Pretty Sophisticated Scam!
True or not? I don't know, but it's worth the read.
MAJOR HEADS UP. THIS IS A PRETTY SOPHISTICATED SCAM!
WARNING...New Credit Card Scam
Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; THEY already have it!
This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA &
MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to
protect yourself.
My husband was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on
Thursday from MasterCard".
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 VISA card which was issued by
(name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $477.99
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
7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, 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.
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 sayNo, th e 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 REAL VISA Security
Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase
of $497.99 was charged to our card.
Long story made short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA
account. VISA is reissuing us a new 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.
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. By the time you get your statement however, 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.
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 family and friends. By informing each other,
we protect each other.
MAJOR HEADS UP. THIS IS A PRETTY SOPHISTICATED SCAM!
WARNING...New Credit Card Scam
Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; THEY already have it!
This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA &
MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to
protect yourself.
My husband was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on
Thursday from MasterCard".
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 VISA card which was issued by
(name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $477.99
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
7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, 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.
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 sayNo, th e 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 REAL VISA Security
Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase
of $497.99 was charged to our card.
Long story made short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA
account. VISA is reissuing us a new 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.
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. By the time you get your statement however, 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.
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 family and friends. By informing each other,
we protect each other.
11-21-2005, 09:25 PM
#3
Registered User
Make sure that you inform them that they should be talking to the bank or establishment that issued the card.
NEVER NEVER NEVERgive personal information over the phone or the internet!!! END OF SCAM!!!!
Rick
NEVER NEVER NEVERgive personal information over the phone or the internet!!! END OF SCAM!!!!
Rick
11-21-2005, 09:33 PM
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I received one of these calls a few months ago. Since I never answer the phone, they left a message with an 800 number to call. Being careful I of course called the number on the back of the card, where they told me there was nothing out of the ordinary with my account. This scam is becoming quite widespread.
mishkaya
mishkaya
11-22-2005, 12:30 AM
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A scam I was hit with twice is actually legal, according to 2 different banks I have dealt with.
The basis of it is that once you give a company permission to charge your credit card for something, they have the right to charge it for anything else, any time they want! The first I learned about this is when I had a Directway account. I used my card to pay for the installation, and told them it was a one-time payment, and they said they would mail my bills each month. They then proceeded to charge me over $300 out of my account without my permission! I had a few checks bounce because I wasn't expecting that money to be gone. I went to the bank and talked with someone, who informed me that once I give someone my card number, they can do what they want with it. I figured it was just that bank's policy, and closed the account and opened a new account at a different bank.
I thought that was the end of it, but then I had an XM radio account. I once used my debit card to make a one-time payment (which I specifically told them was ONE TIME, not an automatic payment plan...I wanted to be mailed an invoice for charges I owed). 3 months later, we suddenly had checks bounce...because XM had taken 3 months worth of service for 2 radios out of our account! I called my bank, who proceeded to tell me the same thing the other bank had said...I gave them my card number, so they could charge it any time they wanted for any reason! Even though I specifically told them I did NOT want my card charged again, it didn't matter. Thats when I cancelled my XM account...and its too bad, because we have 3 XM radios, and I really miss XM.
Jim
The basis of it is that once you give a company permission to charge your credit card for something, they have the right to charge it for anything else, any time they want! The first I learned about this is when I had a Directway account. I used my card to pay for the installation, and told them it was a one-time payment, and they said they would mail my bills each month. They then proceeded to charge me over $300 out of my account without my permission! I had a few checks bounce because I wasn't expecting that money to be gone. I went to the bank and talked with someone, who informed me that once I give someone my card number, they can do what they want with it. I figured it was just that bank's policy, and closed the account and opened a new account at a different bank.
I thought that was the end of it, but then I had an XM radio account. I once used my debit card to make a one-time payment (which I specifically told them was ONE TIME, not an automatic payment plan...I wanted to be mailed an invoice for charges I owed). 3 months later, we suddenly had checks bounce...because XM had taken 3 months worth of service for 2 radios out of our account! I called my bank, who proceeded to tell me the same thing the other bank had said...I gave them my card number, so they could charge it any time they wanted for any reason! Even though I specifically told them I did NOT want my card charged again, it didn't matter. Thats when I cancelled my XM account...and its too bad, because we have 3 XM radios, and I really miss XM.
Jim
11-22-2005, 07:35 AM
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Originally Posted by NHDiesel
A scam I was hit with twice is actually legal, according to 2 different banks I have dealt with.
The basis of it is that once you give a company permission to charge your credit card for something, they have the right to charge it for anything else, any time they want! The first I learned about this is when I had a Directway account. I used my card to pay for the installation, and told them it was a one-time payment, and they said they would mail my bills each month. They then proceeded to charge me over $300 out of my account without my permission! I had a few checks bounce because I wasn't expecting that money to be gone. I went to the bank and talked with someone, who informed me that once I give someone my card number, they can do what they want with it. I figured it was just that bank's policy, and closed the account and opened a new account at a different bank.
I thought that was the end of it, but then I had an XM radio account. I once used my debit card to make a one-time payment (which I specifically told them was ONE TIME, not an automatic payment plan...I wanted to be mailed an invoice for charges I owed). 3 months later, we suddenly had checks bounce...because XM had taken 3 months worth of service for 2 radios out of our account! I called my bank, who proceeded to tell me the same thing the other bank had said...I gave them my card number, so they could charge it any time they wanted for any reason! Even though I specifically told them I did NOT want my card charged again, it didn't matter. Thats when I cancelled my XM account...and its too bad, because we have 3 XM radios, and I really miss XM.
Jim
The basis of it is that once you give a company permission to charge your credit card for something, they have the right to charge it for anything else, any time they want! The first I learned about this is when I had a Directway account. I used my card to pay for the installation, and told them it was a one-time payment, and they said they would mail my bills each month. They then proceeded to charge me over $300 out of my account without my permission! I had a few checks bounce because I wasn't expecting that money to be gone. I went to the bank and talked with someone, who informed me that once I give someone my card number, they can do what they want with it. I figured it was just that bank's policy, and closed the account and opened a new account at a different bank.
I thought that was the end of it, but then I had an XM radio account. I once used my debit card to make a one-time payment (which I specifically told them was ONE TIME, not an automatic payment plan...I wanted to be mailed an invoice for charges I owed). 3 months later, we suddenly had checks bounce...because XM had taken 3 months worth of service for 2 radios out of our account! I called my bank, who proceeded to tell me the same thing the other bank had said...I gave them my card number, so they could charge it any time they wanted for any reason! Even though I specifically told them I did NOT want my card charged again, it didn't matter. Thats when I cancelled my XM account...and its too bad, because we have 3 XM radios, and I really miss XM.
Jim
Are you confusing your debit card with your credit card? None of my credit cards are linked to any of my bank accounts.
BTW NEVER EVER authorize direct debit from your bank accounts.
I have disputed charges on my credit cards and received great customer service (and the charges all reversed)
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11-22-2005, 11:39 AM
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Yea, those were debit cards. I don't have credit cards...the interest and fees are nuts, and is a complete waste of money, in my opinion. We paid off all of our credit cards and only spend what we actually have now.
Jim
Jim
11-22-2005, 12:02 PM
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Debit or credit makes no diference. NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO CHARGE ANYTHING TO ANY ACCOUNT UNLESS YOU SPECIFICALY AUTHORIZE THE CHAGE. The bank misled you maybe out if incompetence or not wanting to deal with the issue, but still they were wrong. Ask them to show you where in your customer agreement is it written. Report them to your state's attorney general. Just think about it, say you go to a restaurant or Wallmart and pay using your debit card, and becuse you "are such a good customer" next time they have a sale on the items you bought they will sell you one of each again, or charge a few diners to a charity because you are so kind. Sounds crazy, because it is. It is simply not allowed. XM must have made a mistake or implied that they would charge you and you missed it. If neither they were wrong and should make good on it or as I said report them to the attorney generals office.
11-22-2005, 02:21 PM
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Originally Posted by NHDiesel
Yea, those were debit cards. I don't have credit cards...the interest and fees are nuts, and is a complete waste of money, in my opinion. We paid off all of our credit cards and only spend what we actually have now.
Jim
Jim
It would almost be impossible to run a business with out credit cards.You were wise ditching the credit cards if spending is a problem.
11-22-2005, 02:48 PM
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Scary times. I was the victim of identity theft a year ago but fortunately VISA questioned it. Two years ago someone in Ontario bought two phone cards on my VISA. I cancelled and I was compensated. A month ago I got a phone call which was almost the same rundown of of the scenario in crobtex's post. I can't remember the exact conversation but I finally said I was not going to answer anymore questions. I finally said, "If someone did what you are saying, they have committed fraud. Now do what you have to do but I am not answering any more questions." I then hung up an I called my credit card company. I told them the story and asked if the number on my caller ID was legitimate. They said it was and everything is fine. Time will tell. 
11-22-2005, 06:08 PM
#12
11-22-2005, 10:04 PM
#13
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Originally Posted by NHDiesel
A scam I was hit with twice is actually legal, according to 2 different banks I have dealt with.
[snip]
I had a few checks bounce because I wasn't expecting that money to be gone.
[snip]
3 months later, we suddenly had checks bounce...because XM had taken 3 months worth of service for 2 radios out of our account!
Jim
[snip]
I had a few checks bounce because I wasn't expecting that money to be gone.
[snip]
3 months later, we suddenly had checks bounce...because XM had taken 3 months worth of service for 2 radios out of our account!
Jim
I honestly don't care if my credit card carries a 24% interest rate because I pay it off in full every month BUT, if you can't pay it off every month, you ARE better off not having one. That interest will kill you.
11-23-2005, 01:40 AM
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Originally Posted by 12valve@heart
That's exactly why I won't use a debit card. If there is fraud or a misbilled amount and I'm using a credit card, it's the credit card companies money in jeopardy while I dispute it. With a debit card, it's my money in jeopardy and the bounced checks will get me in trouble with everyone else that I was trying to pay.
Jim
11-23-2005, 07:03 AM
#15
It's my pot and I'll stir it if I want to. If you're not careful, I'll stir your's as well!
Here is another scam that has been in the news for the last few days;
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsAr...RTRS&srch=scam
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsAr...RTRS&srch=scam
