The Season of Scamming...

Ever get that dreaded long distance ring on your home phone during dinner time?  I get it daily.  Usually around 5:00pm and then again around 8:00pm.  Of course it's not anyone important, just a telemarketer trying to sell you duct cleaning or a new furnace.  At our house we really don't answer the phone anymore when we here those three rings. 

However, today I received the long distance call at 8:00am...very strange I thought to get the call so early.  And with that I decided to take my chances and answer.  Thankfully I did, because apparently my credit card had been used last night for an online purchase on Ebay and Visa was calling to confirm it was a legit purchase...which it wasn't!

The 'credit card employee' (who by the way pronounced my name wrong) assured me I would not be charged for this and simply wanted me to give him my card number in order to make sure it was the same number they had on file.  Obviously at this point I am fully aware that this is a SCAM but I play along with him and ask if HE can give me my card number so I can verify him!  He said the card started with a specific four numbers (which it didn't) and then said it started with four different numbers...(simple mistake huh?), and finally after four seconds of silence the phone was disconnected.

This holiday season...don't be fooled by these 'thieves'.  Remember, a credit card company generally calls with an automated voice not a live person.

Even though the scammers know your name, address and possibly the first four digits of your card, it does not mean they are legit!  Most cards begin with the same first four digits.  A real credit card company will not ask for the full card number.  They may ask 2-3 security questions for verification.  Finally, if you are not 100% sure if it is a legit call, simply hang up and call the credit card company back.

Visa is fully aware of this scam and have received numerous calls about it already. 

Happy Holidays!