If you’ve been on the Internet for any length of time, chances are you’re familiar with phishing. We know it as the practice of creating a website that looks like one you use all of the time, such as your e-mail provider or your bank, in order to trick you into entering in your username and password so it can be stolen. But passwords aren’t the only thing scammers can steal with phishing. Criminals will phish for all sorts of sensitive information, including the security code on the back of your credit card. Once they have that, it’s easy to steal your identity and rack up false charges in your name.
The Phone Scam
One popular way of phishing for security codes is by pretending to protect you from fraud, rather than perpetrating it. Someone will call you, pretending to be from your bank, and expressing concern about suspicious charges on your card. You’re worried, but it’s OK: they’re here to help. They just need you to verify the security code on the back of the card, and they’ll get to the bottom of this in no time.
Then you discover even more suspicious charges, and you realize the truth. The people who called you weren’t from your credit card company. They were just trying to trick you into giving up your security code, so they could have access to your card.
Guarding Against Phishing
So what can you do to prevent phishing for security codes? First of all, never give out your security code, or any other account information, over the phone. If the call really is from your credit card company, they’ll never ask you for it, as it’s supposed to be kept secure.
Next, check out the suspicious charge for yourself. Rather than take the caller’s word for it, disconnect, then call the number that’s on the back of your credit card and ask to speak to their fraud prevention department. That way, you know you’re talking to the right people, and if there is a problem, they can help you.
You can also check out your credit card statement online and see if the suspicious charges you were told about are there. But even if you go online, you should still call your credit card’s fraud prevention department, to let them know about the call you received. You should also report any suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission, either by phone or on their website.
Phishing scams are easy traps to fall into if you’re not careful. So the best defense is simply to be alert. Don’t give out your security code or any other credit card information unless it’s a company or organization you trust—and even then, only provide it if you’re the one making contact with them, through a verified channel. Any time you suspect that someone is trying to defraud you, terminate contact immediately and report the incident. You’ll not only be keeping yourself safe, but helping prevent others from falling victim to the scam as well.
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Has your data been stolen? Veriti Consulting, a certified fraud examiner, can review your secure information and determine if anything has been tampered with. Call 855.232.4410 or send your question via email about our services.
