TC the Terrible

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Here’s something to think about the next time you get a call from your credit card company.

STATE OFMISSISSIPPI
JIM HOOD
ATTORNEY GENERAL
CONSUMER ALERT: New Credit Card Scam

Jackson, MS– MississippiConsumers need to be aware of a credit card  scam being reported across the United States. "The scam is slick because the callers appear to be giving information to you," said Attorney General Jim Hood. " They do not ask for your card number because they have already obtained it. What they are seeking is the security code on the back of your credit card. By understanding how the credit card scam works, you’ll be better prepared to protect yourself."

Here is an example of how the scam works:

You receive a call from someone posing as they are from "VISA", or "MasterCard". The 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> 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.

"The information the scammer wants is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of your card," said Attorney General Hood. "This allows them to make internet purchases with your card. To protect yourself, never give this number to anyone calling for it, especially when you did not initiate the call. Instead, tell them you’ll call the credit  card company directly."
 

 Jan Schaefer
 Public Information Officer
 Office of the Attorney General
 State of Mississippi
 601-359-2002 (office)

–
TC

Nothing else really needs to be said.