WARNING

This hoax is actually happening so beware:

http://www.hoax-slayer.com/card-security-code-scam.html

This one is pretty slick since they provide Y O U 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 '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 �£497.99
from a Marketing company based in London?' 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 0800 number
listed on the back of your card (0800-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 thecaller 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. 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 MasterCard 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 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.

P Please consider the environment and don't print this e-mail unless
you really need to.

 

thanks for that walnut, ill certainly tell everyone i know.. Robbing gits.

 

Thankyou Walnut. I will make sure to pass this on - are you happy for me to copy/paste your *account above?

Edit: *no pun intended!

 

Thanks, walnut. That's a useful one to know. Will pass it on to all and sundry

 

Thank you Walnut.
In the event of such a call, after line number four, meaning they are telling me that there are some problem with the card, I would stop the call and get in touch myself with the relevant bank or card company.
And then report the call to the authorities if I can be bothered.

 

Thanks Walnut,

Although not in business, we now have the answer machine switched on after 4 rings cos of all the **** calls we were getting, although i don't think any of them were about our credit cards.
anyone that wants to speak to us will either leave a message or phone our mobiles.

i will follow your advice though & if anyone asks anything, will say i'll phone them back, get a number if poss. & then phone the number given on statements.

cheers