We have received reports of calls from credit card agencies and financial institutions requesting to verify personal information. Do not reveal personal information to a representative of one of these institutions, and remember that phone numbers can be faked on your caller ID,
Just because your caller ID or television screen reveals a caller by name or number, it may not be that caller. The thieves are using an app that changes the caller ID to whatever they type in—perhaps your banking institution or credit card company. Do not give information to this possible phony caller. Obtain a call back number and if the representative objects, hang up!
Consider this example recently reported to the Scam Squad.
A security representative from a credit card company called a resident and gave a false name and security badge number. He told the intended victim that the security department had observed suspicious activity on his account and requested that he verify recent purchases. The victim is feeling anxiety which clouds reasoning; this is what the scammer wants to happen—but wait! The fraudster continues to help you by cancelling these fraud charges. He will ask you to confirm the data on your card; he already has illegally obtained your credit card numbers. You agree that it is your credit card that has been used; he then asks you to read the numbers on the back of the card. STOP! Remember purchases cannot be made without the security numbers on the back of your card. This is what the ruse is about—getting those numbers.
Remember previous warnings—never give out personal information to a complete stranger; someone you have not called to solicit information about your account. Request a call back number, hang up on the representative and call the number on the back of your credit card or on a previous billing statement. Remember, this time you have made the call to verify legitimacy and you can answer their questions; this is not the stranger representative calling you. You as an informed consumer have the right to verify the validity of the caller and the veracity of the claim. If the caller tries to intimidate you, hang up!
Always shred credit card information, bank statements and billing statements so that no one will call you with some information, soliciting more information to use your account for fraud.
Be aware that currently the scammers are illegally changing their caller ID or may show a pseudo corporation name. Being aware of this ruse you are empowered to ask questions, and if they become defensive or use abusive language as if you have no right to question if they really are a representative, hang up!
Call the Pima County Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers with information about scams and frauds. To contact the Scan Squad call 351-6744 or email [email protected]. To report suspicious activity or a particular incident of fraud call 351-4900.