Detecting a Credit Card Scam
I want to relate to you the modus operandi of a potential credit card scam that was attempted on me recently. If they tried it on me, they may attempt the same on you.
It began when I received a call on my cellphone at 5:45 pm on a Friday evening. The call kept ringing and ringing and wouldn’t stop until I sent it to voicemail (maybe 10 rings later). I don’t use my cellphone much as I live in a poor reception area and calls are often dropped. I tell friends and businesses to use my landline. This was the first clue something might be amiss as almost all calls I do get on my cellphone are from scammers or marketers.
Even if your cellphone is your primary/ only phone, if you don’t recognize a number, it might be wise to send it to your voicemail. Why? Because by accessing the contact from your voicemail, you now control the contact. Once you listen to the voicemail you have plenty of time to process the call’s information as opposed to having to deal with the interaction real time. One of the main schemes used by scammers is to force you to make real-time, immediate decisions. By going to voicemail, the interaction is now on your time.
The caller had left a message that said it was Nick from my bank and, after checking with his colleague, he confirmed my credit card had been sent to my home address. If I didn’t receive it by Tuesday to call them back on the phone number they left. It sounded fairly legitimate and reasonable, but something seemed off.
By now I’ve got a few things that make me suspicious:
- What financial institution calls you at 5:45pm on a Friday?
It’s possible I suppose. - They called me on my cell which I’ve stated is not my preferred contact method.
- I don’t know a “Nick” at my bank. He gave only a first name with no surname.
- They made it sound like there was a choice as to where the credit card could be sent. I use no other address so that was suspicious.
Since I didn’t have to get back to them immediately, it gave me time to check my credit card to see if it was expiring soon. It didn’t expire for a while so there didn’t appear to be a reason to send me a replacement card (clue #5). I never responded to the call. If it was a legitimate call, they’d call me back.
I had to call the bank on another matter a few days later and took the opportunity to relate to them the call I had received. They checked my credit card number and there were no issues, so we assumed it was a scam. The bank said they would never call about a credit card delivery unless it was a case where the credit card was delivered to the bank and that it was now available for pickup.
What the scammers would do if I called back is to ask me a number of questions to “verify” who I am. The purpose of these questions is to obtain my personal information. By divulging this information, they could now use my credit card as if they were me.
If you are suspicious of a call, or an email, concerning your credit card, you can always call the phone number on the back of your card. Don’t hesitate to call your bank. They want you to call them about suspicious activity as they will likely be on the hook for any losses suffered.
Another method criminals will employ to obtain your credit/debit card information is the use of skimmers at the point of sale or at an ATM machine. Skimmers are realistic looking but fake faceplates or credit/debit card slots placed over legitimate credit card processors. The best thing to do prior to using one is to carefully look over the device for any unusual covers, glue, excessive bulkiness, loose parts or other signs of tampering.
As always, guard your PIN entry not only from prying eyes, but also from hidden cameras. Very tiny cameras can be placed in, on or near the ATM. From the camera they can get a picture of your card number and watch you enter your password. You are particularly susceptible at remote ATM machines where malicious hardware can be installed at less risk of detection.
Dave Schroeder – HCRCWA Board Member
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