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Older scams still in use

Credit card scam

It has been brought to our attention that there is currently a scam in operation with regard to credit cards. Someone telephones you and claims to be from one of the major credit card companies working within the fraud department and will give a 'badge number' to you and will say that your card has been 'flagged' for an unusual purchase.

The caller will ask if you have purchased any special equipment or SOME other purchase for £497.99 from a marketing company (based in any town) - when you say no, they will say that they been watching this particular company for this type of fraud and that they usually show purchases for between £297 and £497 - always just under the £500 purchase pattern that flags most cards.

The caller will quote your address and ask if it is correct and then says that a fraud investigation will be starting and tells you to call the 0800 number on your card if you're worried and ask for security. They give you a 6-digit number and ask if you need it repeated.

They then ask if you have your card with you, this is where the scam starts. The caller asks you to turn the card over and states that there are seven numbers on the back - they quote the first 4 (as they already have your card number) then ask you to verify that you have the card in your possession by just reading out last 3 numbers (which are your security numbers) - they will then say that's correct - I just needed to verify you still have the card.

The caller will probably even remind you to call the security number again if you're worried. Your card will then be used to make several purchases.

Credit card companies have no need to ask for the details of your card, as they know everything about it already.

Don't ever give anyone your credit card details over the telephone unless you are absolutely sure who they are!