Phone Call Scam: Credit Card Account Security Question Verification
In recent months, there has been a surge in phone call scams targeting individuals with credit card accounts. These scams typically involve fraudsters calling victims and claiming to be from their credit card company. The fraudsters may use various tactics to trick victims into providing sensitive information, including their credit card number, security question answers, and personal identification numbers (PINs).
How the Scam Works
Typically, the scam begins with a phone call from a fraudster who claims to be a representative from the victim’s credit card company. The caller may provide the victim with the last four digits of their credit card number to gain credibility.
The fraudster then proceeds to ask the victim a series of security questions. These questions are often designed to verify the victim’s identity and may include questions such as:
- What is your mother’s maiden name?
- What is your favorite color?
- What is the name of your first pet?
Once the fraudster has obtained the answers to the security questions, they may request the victim to provide their credit card number, PIN, or other sensitive information. They may claim that this information is needed to verify the victim’s account or to complete a security update.
Some fraudsters may also use more sophisticated tactics, such as phishing or spoofing, to make their calls appear legitimate. They may use phone numbers that look similar to those of real credit card companies or create fake websites that closely resemble the companies’ official websites.
How to Protect Yourself
To protect yourself from this scam, it is important to remember the following tips:
- Never provide sensitive information over the phone. Legitimate credit card companies will never ask you to provide sensitive information such as your PIN or password over the phone.
- Be suspicious of unsolicited calls. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your credit card company, be skeptical and ask for their name and contact information.
- Verify the caller’s identity. If you are unsure whether the caller is legitimate, call your credit card company directly at the number listed on the back of your card.
- Use strong security questions. Choose security questions that are difficult to guess and not easily found on social media or other public platforms.
If you believe you have been a victim of this scam, contact your credit card company immediately and report the incident. You should also change your credit card password and monitor your account for any unauthorized activity.
By being vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself from this and other phone call scams.
