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I saw this scam alert on the internet and was also sent by a colleage via e-mail.

Originally Posted by Please warn others:

We all receive emails all the time regarding one scam or another; but last week I REALLY DID get scammed! Both VISA and MasterCard told me that
this scam is currently being worked throughout the Midwest, with some
variance as to the product or amount, and if you are called, just hang up. My husband was called on Wednesday from "VISA" and I was called on
Thursday from "MasterCard". It worked like this: Person calling says, "This
is Carl Patterson (any name) and I'm 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 issued by 5/3 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 800
number listed on your card 1-800-VISA and ask for Security. You will need to refer
to this Control #". Then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need
me to read it again?" Caller then says he "needs to verify you are in possession
of your card. Turn the card over. There are 7 numbers; first 4 are 1234(whatever) the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are in possession of the card. These are the numbers you use to make internet purchases to prove you have the card.
Read me the 3 numbers." Then he says "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? Don't hesitate to call
back if you do."
You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the
card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within
20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA security
dept. told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of
$497.99 WAS put on our card.
Long story made short...we made a real fraud report and closed the
VISA card and they are reissuing as a new number. What the scam wants is the 3
digit number! and that once the charge goes through, they keep charging
every few days. By the time you get your statement, you think the credit is
coming, and then its harder to actually file a fraud report. The real VISA reinforced that they will never ask for anything on the card.......(they already know). What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from
"Jason Richardson of MasterCard" with a word for word repeat of the
VISA Scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up. We filed a police report (as instructed by VISA), and they said they
are taking several of these reports daily and to tell friends, relatives
and coworkers. EVEN IF YOU KNOW THIS, TELL

The FBI probably are aware of this scam and have or trying to track down the scam artist(s). But many of our friends and relatives may not know so you should inform others before it is too late for them. I was also a victim of a identify theft.