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Phone Call Scam Targets Credit Card Account Balance
Phone scams continue to evolve, and one of the latest schemes involves scammers calling individuals claiming to be from their credit card company and requesting information to verify their account balance.
How the Scam Works
The scammer will typically call the victim, identifying themselves as an employee of the victim’s credit card company. They will state that there is unusual activity on the victim’s account and that they need to verify the victim’s balance to prevent fraud.
The scammer will then ask the victim to provide their full credit card number, expiration date, and CVV code. They may also ask for the victim’s social security number or other sensitive information.
Warning Signs
There are several warning signs that can indicate that a phone call is a scam:
- The caller claims to be from your credit card company, but the phone number they are calling from is not the same as the one listed on your credit card statement.
- The caller asks for your full credit card number, expiration date, and CVV code. Credit card companies will never ask for this information over the phone.
- The caller asks for your social security number or other sensitive information.
- The caller claims that there is unusual activity on your account, but you have not noticed any unauthorized charges or transactions.
What to Do If You Receive a Scam Call
If you receive a phone call that you believe is a scam, hang up immediately. Do not provide any personal or financial information to the caller.
Contact your credit card company directly using the phone number listed on your credit card statement to report the scam attempt.
Monitor your credit card statements for any unauthorized charges or transactions. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to your credit card company immediately.
Protect Yourself from Phone Scams
To protect yourself from phone scams, follow these tips:
- Never give out your personal or financial information over the phone unless you are absolutely certain who you are speaking to.
- Be wary of any phone calls from unfamiliar numbers.
- If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a call, hang up and call the company back using the phone number listed on their website or official documents.
- Regularly monitor your credit reports and bank statements for any unauthorized activity.
