BEWARE OF SCAMS

As many of you know, my husband works as a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch. He came home today and gave me this information that was circulating around his office that I wanted to pass along to you.

It appears as though scam artists who have already stolen credit card numbers are contacting individuals in hopes of gaining the 3 digit security code on the back of the card. The below is the description of the scam.

The fradulant called\r will provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. The callers do not ask for your credit card number; they already have it along with your name, address and telephone number.The scam works like this:

FRAUD CALLER: This is ____________ and I am calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. 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 Visa 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?

INDIVIDUAL: "No"

FRAUD CALLER: 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?

INDIVIDUAL: "Yes"

FRAUD CALL: 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 credit card and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. (The caller will then give you a 6-digit number). In order to verify you are in possession of the card, I will need the 3 digit security code on the back....

The last piece is the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The fradulent caller will then state that he needs to verify you are in possession of your card. These are the numbers that 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 read the numbers, he will ask if you have any more questions and then end the call.

Please be aware and vigilant especially during the holiday time.