NEW CREDIT CARD SCAM
Credit card holders are being warned about a telephone scam which East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s traiding standards service has been made aware of.
The caller claims, falsely, to be from Visa or MasterCard, in order to get the 3 digit security number on the back of credit cards.
The scam can be very convincing. The caller says they are from the security and fraud department of Visa or MasterCard, calling about an unusual purchase pattern.
The caller then asks if the victim has bought an anti-telemarketing device for £497.99, from a company in London.
Clearly this is a bogus transaction and the caller offers to credit the victim’s account. Worryingly, the caller already knows the victim’s address and asks them to confirm it. Finally and most importantly, the caller asks the victim for the three digit security number on the back of their card.
This scam involves the person who receives the call saying very little. The caller already has their name, address, telephone number and card number, the only piece of information they want is the security number on the back of the card.
Those who give their security number find the £497.99 has been taken from their account within minutes of the scam telephone call taking place.
Colin Briggs, the council’s trading standards service manager said: “By understanding how this telephone scam works, residents will be better placed to protect themselves.
“Anyone who receives a call from someone claiming to be from Visa or MasterCard and asking for the security number on the back of their credit card, should refuse to give it and call Visa or MasterCard to report the incident immediately.”
Advice to anyone who receives a call about their credit card is:
- Ask the caller for their name and ID then use the telephone number on the back of the card, to contact the credit card company and check the information is correct.
- Never give unsolicited callers any personal or financial information.
- New scams are invented everyday so be cautious
- If a bogus caller has the credit card security number for any cards call the credit card company and inform the police.
Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for public protection, said: “We urge consumers to protect themselves against scams of all kinds but it is especially important that they protect their bank and credit card details.”
Anyone who requires general consumer advice can contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
|
|
About Cottingham 
