Georgia Consumers Warned of Credit Card Scam as Fraud Investigators Claim to be from Visa and MasterCard

Consumers in Georgia are being targeted by scammers posing as Visa and MasterCard fraud investigators, attempting to obtain sensitive credit card information. The scam involves fraudulent individuals claiming to work with the Security and Fraud Department of Visa or MasterCard and informing victims that their account has been flagged due to unusual activity.

How the Scam Works

• Scammers identify themselves as agents with the fraud department, referencing a badge number and instructing the cardholder to call the toll-free number on the back of their card if they have any questions.
• The scammer already knows the credit card number and issuing bank and asks if the cardholder made a particular purchase for a certain amount.
• After confirming the address, the scammer requests that the cardholder provide the three-digit security code on the back of their card.

Warning Signs

• Credit card companies never ask for the three-digit security code as they already have this information.
• Be cautious if someone claims to be an agent from Visa or MasterCard and asks for your security code.

What to Do If You’re a Victim

• Report fraudulent activity on your credit card account to your credit card company.
• Cancel your card and request a replacement.
• File a police report.
• Contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies to put a fraud alert on your account.

Precautions to Take

• Be aware of any suspicious calls or emails asking for sensitive information.
• Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from Visa or MasterCard by contacting their customer service directly.
• Keep your credit card information and security code confidential.

By being vigilant and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect yourself from falling victim to this scam. Remember, it’s always best to err on the side of caution when dealing with sensitive financial information.