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Important Information:
Consumer Protection Hotline: 1-888-463-4454 weekdays 9am to
3pm
Questions about donation solicitations: 1-603-271-3591
The Consumer
Protection and Antitrust Bureau acts to protect consumers from unfair or
deceptive trade practices in
New Hampshire
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New Credit Card Scamc
Snopes.Com
says this is true.
To verify see this site:
http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/creditcard.asp
This one 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... This
information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & Master Card
Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.
The scam works like this: 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). Did you purchase
an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in ?"
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 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?"
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 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. The REAL VISA Security Department told us
it is a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to
our card.
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, 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.
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Telephone Scams
Recently the Chief of Police has spoken with some town residents
who have received telephone calls claiming they won a considerable amount of
cash. The caller then requests certain personal/confidential information.
As a reminder, do not give out any personal information ( social security
number, bank information, etc.) on the telephone. If you have questions or
concerns, contact the Chief of Police at (603) 431-5461.
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Scam Targeting Elderly Residents in the New England Area
Set-up:
A male subject calls the victim pretending to be their grandson.
The suspect actually uses the victim's grandson's name. The suspect
requests $4,800 saying:
A. He was in a car accident and needs
the money to repair the vehicle before he can be released from jail or
B. A friend drove him to Canada and he
needs money to fly back home.
**The phone reception is always of
poor quality and the victims believe the suspect is their grandson.
**The suspect requests the money be transferred via
money gram from a Wal-mart to Canada.
**Victims of the scam have been identified from the
mid-coast and central Maine down to southern N.H.
Tips to Protect Yourself:
***Never give any financial or
personal information about yourself to anyone via the phone, internet, mailings
or any other form of communication where you do not know with whom you are
dealing.
***Never send or wire any money to
unfamiliar companies or unknown persons.
***Be very cautious in speaking
with anyone calling or e-mailing you representing a company or organization:
a. Your financial
institution will never ask you for your PIN number.
b. Legitimate
companies or government officials won't pressure you to make snap decisions.
***Before answering any
solicitations made by phone talk it over with a trusted friend, family member or
financial advisor.
NEWINGTON RESIDENTS: For more information on
protecting yourself from scams and identity theft, keep checking the Newington
Police Dept. WEB site:
www.newingtonnhpd.com for updates or contact
Detective Lieutenant Scott Qualls via e-mail:
158@newingtonnhpd.com or call (603)
431-5461 x 102.
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