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Credit Card Scam - Beware!

Check this out:

This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want.

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.

One of our employees was called on Wednesday from 'VISA', and I was called on Thursday from 'Master Card'. The scam works like this: Caller: '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 $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 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 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 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 - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. W hat 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. However, by the time you get your statement 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 Master Card' 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.


Sorry it is so long...but its pretty crazy.
-Rome is Burning

image

Comments

  • MoneyLAMoneyLA Posts: 1,825
    thank you for the excellent report. you hit the key point: don't give out this info to anyone who calls you -- because the real visa, mc, and banks already have this info.

    thanks again, good job.
  • orevilleoreville Posts: 12,155 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Sorry it is so long...but its pretty crazy. >>



    Not at all and quite scary! I might have been hoodwinked too.
    A Collectors Universe poster since 1997!
  • 291fifth291fifth Posts: 24,710 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Excellent report. Thanks!
    All glory is fleeting.
  • SaorAlbaSaorAlba Posts: 7,593 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Which is all the more reason you should access your account online occasionally to see what is up. A couple of years ago we started seeing little miscellaneous charges showing up on a credit card, we only got a call from Visa when the charges started getting higher and higher. Needless to say, we didn't question the little charges, for like $4.95 etc. but that is how scammers verify that the card and information are good - just like paypal and your bank account - tiny amounts of cash transacted!
    Tir nam beann, nan gleann, s'nan gaisgeach ~ Saorstat Albanaich a nis!
  • goose3goose3 Posts: 11,471 ✭✭✭



    there's nothing new or sly about this at all. Simply don't give information out on the phone to anyone that has called you.

    If VISA called you about your account they sure as hell wouldn't need any numbers from YOU from your card.



  • << <i>there's nothing new or sly about this at all. Simply don't give information out on the phone to anyone that has called you.

    If VISA called you about your account they sure as hell wouldn't need any numbers from YOU from your card. >>



    Well said and an absolute fact!
    Becoming informed but still trying to learn every day!
    1-Dammit Boy Oct 14,2003

    International Coins
    "A work in progress"


    Wayne
    eBay registered name:
    Hard_ Search (buyer/bidder, a small time seller)
    e-mail: wayne.whatley@gmail.com
  • BarryBarry Posts: 10,100 ✭✭✭
    There are a lot of gullible people out there, including my receptionist who almost fell for the "toner scam" a few weeks ago. I happened to be walking by her desk heard her answering q's about our photocopier and told her to hang up.
  • ksammutksammut Posts: 1,076 ✭✭✭
    Thanks for the heads up.
    American Numismatic Association Governor 2023 to 2025 - My posts reflect my own thoughts and are not those of the ANA.My Numismatics with Kenny Twitter Page

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    My Numismatics with Kenny Blog Page Best viewed on a laptop or monitor.

    ANA Life Member & Volunteer District Representative

    2019 ANA Young Numismatist of the Year

    Doing my best to introduce Young Numismatists and Young Adults into the hobby.

  • What is the "Toner Scam"?

    Thanks.

    John
    Successful BSTs with lordmarcovan, pontiacinf, Harry779, ajia, jfoot13, coinfame, Hammered54, fivecents, Coll3ctor, al410, commoncents123.
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The scammers are always coming up with new schemes... cardinal rule (as stated above) - Never, ever give out any information on the phone. Cheers, RickO
  • you should be responsible for the 497 bucks because, for a lack of better words, you were stupid enough to give them the numbers.

    know what you don't know.

    hi, i'm tom.

    i do not doctor coins like some who post in here.

  • TorinoCobra71TorinoCobra71 Posts: 8,063 ✭✭✭
    NEVER give out your three digit PIN to anyone that CALLS YOU!

    TC71
    image
  • PrethenPrethen Posts: 3,461 ✭✭✭
    Thanks for the info.
  • DorkGirlDorkGirl Posts: 9,994 ✭✭✭
    Thanks.
    Becky
  • mrearlygoldmrearlygold Posts: 17,858 ✭✭✭


    << <i>NEVER give out your three digit PIN to anyone that CALLS YOU!

    TC71 >>




    image
  • ebaytraderebaytrader Posts: 3,312 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    If VISA called you about your account they sure as hell wouldn't need any numbers from YOU from your card. >>




    If Visa or MasterCard called it would be extraordinary as they call no one - ever. They are holding cos. The CARD ISSUER calls - such as your bank.
  • coinpicturescoinpictures Posts: 5,345 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    If VISA called you about your account they sure as hell wouldn't need any numbers from YOU from your card. >>




    If Visa or MasterCard called it would be extraordinary as they call no one - ever. They are holding cos. The CARD ISSUER calls - such as your bank. >>



    I was just about to post this very thing. When I get calls to verify the legitimacy of charges to my card(s), it's always Citibank, Chase, Capital One, etc., not "MASTERCARD".

    Furthermore, they never ask for personal details when doing so. It's simply "Did you recently authorize a charge in the amount of $XXX.XX to merchant YYYYYY to your MasterCard ending in 9999?"
  • adamlaneusadamlaneus Posts: 6,969 ✭✭✭


    << <i>If Visa or MasterCard called it would be extraordinary as they call no one - ever. They are holding cos. The CARD ISSUER calls - such as your bank. >>



    I've been called a few times by my bank. They way they introduce themselves, it's hard to tell. It does sound very official.

    But i've never been asked for any numbers.

    For me, it's always something like...

    Q:"We've noticed a number of unusual coin purchases on your credit card..."
    A:"Yep, those are mine. Thank you for your efforts at preventing fraud!"

  • I received a LEGITIMATE FRAUD call a few weekls ago, and challenged them on it..... ie: "How do I know that you are who you say you are?"

    They simply said, we understand, it's good that you ar eso cautious, and simply told me to call teh 800 number on the back of my Visa card.......

    I did exactly that and got a new card witha new number and had the 3 fraudulant charges removed.......
  • Thanks for the heads up. If I get a call I'll give them a wrong 3 digit number and let them have purchases turned down.


    image
  • dimplesdimples Posts: 1,286 ✭✭✭
    Thanks for the heads up.I could easily see people falling for that scam

    I used to get the toner scam weekly at work a few years ago.
  • blue594blue594 Posts: 550
    What is the "Toner Scam"?

    Thanks.
    John
    Successful BSTs with lordmarcovan, pontiacinf, Harry779, ajia, jfoot13, coinfame, Hammered54, fivecents, Coll3ctor, al410, commoncents123.
  • GemineyeGemineye Posts: 5,374


    << <i>NEVER give out your three digit PIN to anyone that CALLS YOU!

    TC71 >>


    Never give out your criedit card # either....to anyone that calls you....!!!!!!!!!!!........image
    ......Larry........image
  • SaorAlbaSaorAlba Posts: 7,593 ✭✭✭✭✭
    FYI, if you have charges in certain countries, or parts of the world you might want to let your CC company know. I once bought something from a seller in Indonesia, and they charged my card - 10 million rupiah! - about $100 then, which was the amount of the sale. But my card called me right away and was going to shut the account down for fraud, hadn't even thought of it. So whenever you travel, let your card company know, otherwise they may not even accept the charges especially if they are coming from E. Europe or Asia.
    Tir nam beann, nan gleann, s'nan gaisgeach ~ Saorstat Albanaich a nis!
  • shirohniichanshirohniichan Posts: 4,992 ✭✭✭


    << <i>What is the "Toner Scam"?

    Thanks.
    John >>



    It's when someone takes an ordinary Morgan, puts it in a potato, bakes it for a little while, and then sells it on eBay for $500. image
    image
    Obscurum per obscurius
  • MrBreezeMrBreeze Posts: 1,036 ✭✭✭
    The toner scam is almost laughable at this point. I have given out so many false names (of the person that handles the copiers) that people are asking for these made up names all of the time. They are adamant about talking to people I created out of thin air. My favorite line is, "I just talked to him last week." I just laugh when these scammers make up more and more lies. I actually try to see how far they will go. When I get one to hang up on me after several minutes, I smile a smile of small victory. Of course, caller ID ends most of these calls before I even pick up the phone. But, when I feel like playing a bit, it is a nice diversion.
  • mozinmozin Posts: 8,755 ✭✭✭
    What is a toner scam?
    I collect Capped Bust series by variety in PCGS AU/MS grades.
  • Basically, the thief already has your credit card number but what they are missing are all the small details so they can successfully use your credit card... tricky!
  • dimplesdimples Posts: 1,286 ✭✭✭
    The toner scam:

    Boiler room calls identifies themselves as the copier company that sold your company a copier. They ask you to update the serial #s of your copiers for their records. They then send your company a bill for toner for said Serial #'s that was never delivered. With large companies they hope the billing dept. will just pay the bill and thus the scam.
  • YaHaYaHa Posts: 4,220
    I don't have Visa or Mastercard, I have the biggy CASH. So I can't wait for them to call me. I will give them any numbers they want, but won't be on any cards. Maybe I will read a serial number off of a Honey bun note. $100 bill that is. image
  • BECOKABECOKA Posts: 16,961 ✭✭✭
    Good info.

    Thanks
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,399 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>

    If VISA called you about your account they sure as hell wouldn't need any numbers from YOU from your card. >>




    If Visa or MasterCard called it would be extraordinary as they call no one - ever. They are holding cos. The CARD ISSUER calls - such as your bank. >>



    I was just about to post this very thing. When I get calls to verify the legitimacy of charges to my card(s), it's always Citibank, Chase, Capital One, etc., not "MASTERCARD".

    Furthermore, they never ask for personal details when doing so. It's simply "Did you recently authorize a charge in the amount of $XXX.XX to merchant YYYYYY to your MasterCard ending in 9999?" >>



    I have never gotten a call from anyone connected with my CC. If there is unusual activity they simply lock the account and usually the cardholder is expected to call or at least beats them to the punch.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • Thanks for the info, very good!!
  • BarryBarry Posts: 10,100 ✭✭✭


    << <i>What is the "Toner Scam"?

    Thanks.
    John >>


    Scammer calls, pretending to be your office supply company, then bills you for toner (nothing to do with coin toning image ) for your photocopier. Sometimes they even send toner, but the bill is for some outrageous price.
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,399 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>What is the "Toner Scam"?

    Thanks.
    John >>


    Scammer calls, pretending to be your office supply company, then bills you for toner (nothing to do with coin toning image ) for your photocopier. Sometimes they even send toner, but the bill is for some outrageous price. >>



    Wouldn't work with my employer; in most cases we don't pay our bill for 3 months or more
    theknowitalltroll;
  • Bump for the weekend warriors.
    -Rome is Burning

    image
  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭
    I got this e-mail from several people. But the 3 digit code on the back isn't always required. If they already have your credit card number you're in trouble before they called you. --Jerry
  • TorinoCobra71TorinoCobra71 Posts: 8,063 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>NEVER give out your three digit PIN to anyone that CALLS YOU!

    TC71 >>




    image >>



    HUH?

    image

    image
    image
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,891 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>NEVER give out your three digit PIN to anyone that CALLS YOU!

    TC71 >>




    image >>



    HUH?

    image

    image >>



    I think he means the three digit security code on the back of the card. Most pin numbers have at least four digits.





    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • morgansforevermorgansforever Posts: 8,486 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks for the report. I would never just give one my info in the first place, especially the 3 digit code.

    Since we're on the topic of fraud. I was reading a story about "skimming".

    A new way for thieves to extract data off the magnetic strip, including pin, and 3 digit security code.

    Very slick.

    click here for article
    World coins FSHO Hundreds of successful BST transactions U.S. coins FSHO

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