Credit Card Telephone Scams
Credit card fraud is a growing crime these days. More often than not these scam artists will contact consumers via email or telephone claiming to be from their credit card company or another firm and requesting information on their account. These callers turn out to be fraudulent and by the time the consumer realizes this, it is typically too late. To prevent this from occurring to you, learn about credit card telephone scams and how to avoid them.
How it Works
A consumer receives a phone call one day from an individual claiming to be with their credit card company. They claim that there is an issue with their account, but in order to get started they need to verify your personal information to ensure they are speaking to the account owner. For example they may ask for your name, social security number, mother’s maiden name or even the credit card account number itself. Often these sc am artists can get consumers to contact them directly by leaving them a voicemail or sending them an email with a request to call into their fraudulent number.
How to Avoid
No matter who claims to be calling you, never give out your personal information over a phone call that you did not initiate yourself. Often these scam artists can spoof a consumer’s caller ID and make it seem as though they are really calling from the credit card company. Only trust a caller when you have initiated the call. If a company calls requesting information, request that you call them back. Do not use a number that they give you, but use the direct customer service line on their website instead. Never use the number a caller leaves on your voicemail or that is provided to you in an email.
If You Are Scammed
Though you can prevent as much as you want, sometimes a consumer will still become a victim of credit card fraud. If this happens to you, notify your credit card company immediately. Check your accounts and statements regularly for any fraudulent charges and place a credit freeze on your social security number to ensure that they are not able to access your credit for other fraudulent purposes.