ACTUAL SAMPLE - Credit Card Scams
* This email is not spam. You have previously registered with Overseas Subscribers Agents to receive Draw results and notices via email. If you have received this email in error we apologize.
Dear STEPH:
Just to let you know that there's a new type of credit card scam going around.
For your protection, kindly take the time to read the full details of how the scam operation works. And please, pass this on to everyone you know.
Sincerely,
Michael Pilgrim
Customer Relations Director
OSA Lotteries
P.S. Should you require our assistance in reporting similar incidents to the authorities, do not hesitate to get in touch with us at service@osalotteries.com
********************************************************
This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.
Note: They 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!
The scam works like this:
Person calling says, "This is (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 which was issued by (name of 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 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number.
Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card". He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers". There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers 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 tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card.
You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation.
The real authorities of VISA say that once you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, they'll immediately start charging purchases on your account, and by the time you receive your credit card bill, it will almost be too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
Should you receive a call similar to the scam we described above, please do not entertain the caller. Hang up immediately and file a police report!
********************************************************
** Reminder: Don't forget to add osa-newsletter@osanewsletter.com to your address book to continue receiving email alerts and notices from OSA.
*** Notice of Opt-out. If you wish to unsubscribe from our mailing list, please go to or copy-and-paste this link: http://www.osanewsletter.com/unsubscribeme.php
**** For customer service inquiries and other concerns, you may send us an email at service@osalotteries.com