MasterCard ® Debit Cards and Credit Cards - Beware of “Vishing” Scams 

You've likely heard of “phishing” scams that use fraudulent e-mails as bait so that you will give up personal information that results in identity theft.  The newest scam is “vishing” or voice phishing where you receive a telephone call advising your account at the financial institution has been suspended and they need to verify information.  The caller states they are with the financial institution or with security for the financial institution and ask for their PIN number and other personal data. 

You may also receive an e-mail or telephone message instructing you to call a phone number set up specifically to gather data.  Those who fall for the pitch and dial the number hear a simple automated message that says “Welcome to account verification.  Please type your 16-digit card number”.  Since a consumer is commonly asked to punch in account numbers when dealing with financial institutions over the phone, it would not seem suspicious.  Remember, never give out personal information or account number information.  When in doubt, call the number on the back of the card if you need to verify your account or transactions. 

Never give out the three-digit number on the back of your card unless you are the one making the call and placing an on-line order for a product or service.  Only use reputable companies when placing on-line orders.

Here is an example of a fraudulent call and how they get your information. 

“This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at MasterCard. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify.

This would be on your MasterCard card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in Arizona ?'
When you say 'No', the caller continues with, 'Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the 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 you your address), is that correct?'

You say 'yes'. The caller continues - 'I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1-800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-MasterCrd) and ask for Security.' You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. 'Do you need me to read it again?'

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The caller then says, 'I need to verify you are in possession of your card'.  He'll ask you to 'turn your card over and look for some numbers'.
There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him.

After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, '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?' After you say ‘No’, the caller then thanks you and states, 'Don't hesitate to call back if you do’, and hangs up.

You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. Within 15 minutes, a new purchase of $497.99 is charged to your card.

Neither Concho Educators nor MasterCard will ever call or E-mail and ask for your card number or your security code.  If you receive such a call, DO NOT GIVE OUT YOUR CARD INFORMATION.  Hang up immediately.  If you receive an e-mail wanting to verify your card or telling you your card has been suspended, DO NOT RESPOND, regardless of how "official" the e-mail looks.  Call the 800 number on the back of your card with any questions you might have.