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Many credit card companies offer initial
"teaser" rates as low as zero percent but . . . ...what you
end up with is not what you expected! Use this site to educate yourself about
credit cards! The Internet makes finding a great credit card rewards program or
instant on-line credit card approval extremely convenient but, there are
pitfalls so be sure to shop around for the best credit card interest rates and
rewards especially, on guaranteed approval credit cards, debit cards, and
charge cards.
WARNING!! - WARNING!! -
WARNING!!
Credit Card Scams are all over the place!
They usually start with a call from someone claiming to be from "VISA" or
"MasterCard"! Here is how the scam unfolds... |
The caller claims to be from the Security and Fraud
department at VISA (or Mastercard) and he or she gives you a bogus
identification badge number and says your card has been flagged for an unusual
purchase pattern. The caller goes on to say he just needs to verify a recent
purchase. He asks, "did you purchase a [describes item] for [gives dollar
amount] from a company based in (names a state)?
Obviously, you have not made any such purchase and when you
say "No" the caller continues with, "then we will issue a credit to your
account. The caller tells you, "We've been watching this company and most
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
your address), is that correct?" Of course you say "Yes" and now the
scam really heats up as the caller draws you deeper into this credit card scam.
The callers says, "I am initiating a fraud investigation
and if you have any questions, you should call the 800 number listed on your
card 1-800-VISA and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control
number [provides bogus 6 digit number] and asks, "Do you need me to read it
again?"
WARNING! Every bit of the above
conversation is designed to trick you into revealing your 3-digit security
code. The caller establishes himself as credible in your mind and you actually
start believing he is from your credit card company. NEVER GIVE YOUR
INFORMATION TO ANYONE WHO CALLS YOU! HANG UP AND CALL THE COMPANY
YOURSELF!!!
If the caller was successful in convincing you he was for
real, you now believe he is really from the Security and Fraud department.
He'll ask you to verify you are in possession of your card by saying, "Please
look at the back of your card. Do you see seven small numbers?"
Of course you'll answer yes and then the caller continues
the scam, "The first four numbers are your card number, the next 3 are the
security numbers that verify you are in possession of the card. These are the
numbers you use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. Please
read me the three numbers." The caller then says, "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?" The caller ends the call on a
pleasant note telling you not to hesitate to call back if you have any
questions.
At this point you've just been scammed and
within minutes of hanging up the phone, the scam artist uses your credit card
number and 3-digit security code (PIN) to make purchases. I called the
Security and Fraud department for Visa and Mastercard, they confirmed this scam
and said they receive several of these reports daily. They also said to
remind people that they NEVER ask for any information from your credit card
because they already have that information.
To add injury to insult, the caller promised you a credit
so you wait until your statement arrives to verify this fact. It's only when
you get your statement and see charges you don't recognize that you realize
you've been scammed! To complicate matters, it's harder to file a fraud report
because so much time has passed since the scam occurred. Nevertheless, call
Visa or Mastercard immediately and file a fraud report and also file a police
report, (follow your credit card company's instructions to the
letter!)
Credit card fraud and scam
warnings from the FTC |
Sample Letter to dispute credit card billing
errors!
Choosing the right credit cards from
pre-approved offers.
Credit Card Blocking - What is it, how to
fight it!
Does your heart stop every time the phone
rings? Are you afraid to answer the phone at home and at work? Do you dread
opening the mail? Are you being called by debt collectors who use abusive
language to bully and intimidate you? Get this Step-by-Step book for
Dealing with Unfair and Illegal Debt Collection Tactics! Learn more...
Credit Card Secrets Banks Don't Want You to
Know!
Credit Complaints - How to complain after the
sale!
Credit Insurance is unnecessary - find out why
here!
Credit Laws - these six laws protect you and your
rights!
Credit card fraud and scam warnings from the FTC
Debit Cards explained
Debt Cards, check cards, and store valued cards
FAQ
Credit Card agreement and disclosure
statements!
Credit Terms and Definitions
Credit card check agreement and disclosure
statements
Minimum Credit Card Payments Double - Article by
ICFE
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