Visa/Mastercard email & telephone scam
LCU has become aware of alleged email and telephone scams currently being circulated, and warn members to be wary of any emails or phone calls that appear to have come from Visa or Mastercard.
By understanding how these two VISA and Master Card Scams work, you’ll be better prepared to protect yourself.
Email Scam:
According to reports, hoax emails are being sent to people stating that the customer’s card has been suspended because Visa/Mastercard believe the card has been used fraudulently. The email may also include a link, which the customer is invited to click on to follow steps to lift the suspension. The email apparently does not state any specific details about the card or the name of the cardholders.
LCU members must be warned that emails of this nature should be treated with extreme caution, and we would like to advise members that Visa and/or Mastercard will not contact cardholders via email. We advise all members to be vigilant when it comes to the safety of your credit or debit card information and to never disclose this information via e-mail or other unsecure communications.
LCU advises members to delete any emails of this nature, remembering to also delete them from the 'Trash' or 'Deleted' folder in their email. Under no circumstances should members give out their card information via email.
If you have received one of these emails and have followed the link in question, it might be a good idea to run a virus scan check on your computer just to be safe. Furthermore, if you have given your card information via email or any other means and are unsure of its authenticity, contact LCU immediately to have your card cancelled and a new card ordered for you.
Telephone Scam:
This scam is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want.
Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it…
People are being targeted by callers claiming they work for “VISA” or “Master Card”, with conversations going as follows:
Caller: “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 or credit union). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in (country)?”
When you say ‘No’ the caller continues with, “Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. 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 Freud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1 – 800 number listed on the back of your card (1- 800 – 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?”
Now here’s the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works!
The caller 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 provide you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, they’ll say, “that is correct, I just need 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.
Long story – short – 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 Master Card 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 on the back of your card, 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.
Please pass this on to all your family, friends and neighbours. By informing each other we protect each other!
Here at Laboratories Credit Union, the safety of our members' information and account security is paramount. If you have any concerns regarding your card or account, please don't hesitate to contact LCU directly on 9859 0585.
