According to police, the scam works as follows:
- The victim receives a phone call from a person identifying him or herself as an investigator with the Security and Fraud Department at Visa or MasterCard. He/she provides his/her name and badge number.
- The victim is then told that his/her card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, which Security and Fraud is calling to verify. This purchase, with a value of approximately $500 or more, is on his/her Visa or MasterCard which has been issued by his/her actual bank (Royal, CIBC, TD, BMO, etc). It is for an anti-telemarketing device from a company based in Arizona.
- When the victim denies making such a purchase, the caller explains they have been monitoring that company and a credit of whatever the amount will be forwarded to the victim's address, which the caller then provides and confirms with the victim. A six-digit Control Number is then provided for the victim's records along with the 1-800 number listed on the back of the credit card if the victim has any questions. The caller does not ask for a credit card number as the caller already has it.
- According to OPP, the scam begins when the caller confirms that the victim is in possession of the credit card and requests the victim provide the last three numbers of the seven-digit security code on the back of the credit card to verify the card has not been stolen or lost. When those numbers are provided, the caller responds "That is correct" and asks the victim is he/she has any questions, after which the call ends.
Police strongly urge that no credit card information or numbers be provided to any caller. Legitimate Visa and MasterCard security and fraud personnel do not ask for anything on the card as they issued the card and already have the requested information.
Police add this is an active and successful scam. If you receive a call similar to this, contact Visa or Master Card security immediately and notify police.
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This trick has already made the rounds, but scammers seem to have a fondness for this one because it's being reported again. We want you to stay alert and avoid becoming ensnared.
1. The caller says, “This is (name), and I’m calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is (number). Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I’m calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card issued by (bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a marketing company based in Arizona?”
2. When you say “no,” the caller continues: “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 (your address). Is that correct?”
3. 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 and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this control number.” The caller then gives you a six-digit number. “Do you need me to read it again?”
4. Now for the important part. The caller needs to “verify you are in possession of your card.” You’re asked to “turn your card over and look for some numbers. There are seven numbers. The first four are your card number, the next three 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 three numbers.” After you say the three numbers, the caller will 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.
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