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Phishers expand into telephony

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 ยฃ297 to ยฃ497, just under the ยฃ500 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 0800 number listed on your card and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control #”. Then gives you a 6 digit number, “Do you need me try read it again?”

Caller then says he “needs to verify you are in possession of your card. Turn the card over. There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are 1234 whatever, 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.”

Then he says “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? Don’t hesitate to call back if you do.” 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 ยฃ497.99 WAS put on our card. Long story made short, we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA card and they are issuing a new number. What the scam wants is the 3-digit number and once the charge goes through, they keep charging every few days. By the time you get your statement, you think the credit is coming, and then it’s harder to actually file a fraud report.

REMEMBER: THE REAL VISA REINFORCED THAT THEY WILL NEVER ASK FOR ANYTHING > ON THE CARD (THEY ALREADY KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT US)!!!!

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from “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), and they said they Are taking several of these reports daily and to tell friends, relatives and co-workers. PASS IT ON!