CC sheriff’s office warns of new credit card scam
Charles City’s sheriff office is advising local residents to be aware of an ongoing credit card scam by telephone that is sweeping quickly across the nation.
What makes the scam unique is that the caller already has the intended victim’s VISA or MasterCard number. The objective of the call is to get the victim to reveal the three-digit security code listed on the card’s back.
The scammer’s dialogue consists of the following script:
“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 the card issued from (name of bank) was used.
“Did you purchase an anti-telemarketing device for $479.99 from a marketing company based in Arizona?”
When the caller responds “no,” the caller will continue with the script.
“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 your address). Is that correct?”
If you say yes, the script will continue as follows:
“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 and ask for security. You will need to refer to this control number.”
The caller will then provides a six-digit number, before initiating the key part of the scam. The caller will ask once again if the number needs to be read again and ask the victim to turn the card over to read the last three numbers (security numbers) of the card that is used to make internet purchases.
The caller will ask the victim to read the last three numbers and after you tell him the last three numbers, they will say “That is correct. I just needed to verify that the card has not been stolen.”
The caller then will say don’t hesitate to call back before hanging up.
Charles City Sheriff’s Office says if you receive this call, inform the caller that you will contact the company directly to verify the conversation and do not reveal the security numbers on the back of the card.
You are also advised to report the scam to local authorities and the credit card company.
Credit card companies also remind patrons they never ask for information about the card because they issued the card and already have that information on file.