The Apache Junction Police Department would like to make the residents of Apache Junction aware of a new and increasingly common credit card scam. While this scam is primarily being reported in the Midwest, it has been highly successful and therefore likely to spread. The thing to remember about this scam is they have almost all the information regarding your card, including the credit card number, and they are telling you to call the number on the back with questions. However, they are lacking the 3 digit code on the back of the card. This is the number they attempt to get from you.
Please see the following report from Visa regarding this scam and follow the steps and links provided to decrease your chances of becoming a victim of this scam.
Visa Phone Phishing Scam Alert
Fraud Avengers has reported that scam artists are posing as Visa or MasterCard representatives to trick consumers into providing the three digit security code on the back of their payment card. Here’s how the scam works: the fraudster calls the consumer claiming to be a Visa or MasterCard representative from the company’s “Security and Fraud Department.” The fraudster explains that the consumer’s card has been flagged for suspicious transactions and needs to verify that the consumer is currently in possession of his/her card by providing the three-digit security code on the back of the payment card. What makes this particular scam especially believable is that the fraudster already has several pieces of personal information about the consumer such as name, address, and telephone number — reinforcing the appearance that the call is legitimate.
It is important to note that Visa does not call or email cardholders to request their personal account information. If you receive such a call, do not provide your information. Instead, hang up. If possible note the phone number used by the scammer and call your issuing bank immediately. Your issuing bank will be able to tell you whether any suspicious transactions have been made to your account. Consumers can report Visa phone scams to us at abuse@visa.com and should include the phone number that was used by the fraudster if available. Visa works to actively disable phone numbers confirmed to be used for these types of fraudulent activities.
As always, proceed with caution when receiving an unsolicited call, email or letter asking for personal information. Phishing scams can take various disguises to trick consumers. To learn more about these disguises, read “How to Catch a ‘Phish’ “ and “How Not to Get Speared by Phishing.”
If you feel you have been targeted or a victim of this scam, please call your credit card company to report it first, then contact the Apache Junction Police Department at (480) 982-8260. To learn more about other types of credit card scams and fraud, visit http://www.visasecuritysense.com/en_US/fraud-news.jsp.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the AJPD Community Resource Coordinator, Serene Carney, at (480) 474-5442 or scarney@ajcity.net.
