Phone Frauds

Visa is committed to keeping you informed of the latest frauds

Why? Because knowledge is one of the most effective forms of fraud prevention.

Basic phone advice

Avoid giving out personal or account information over the phone unless the call was initiated by you. If you receive a call from your bank or a company asking for this type of information, always ask the caller to provide a call-back number. You have the right to hang up and verify the legitimacy of the number.

Call from your bank

You might get a call from someone posing as a representative from your financial institution or credit card company, asking you to provide your account or personal information. If you do receive a call such as this, hang up immediately.

Telemarketing fraud

Don’t be fooled by telemarketers informing you of a “get rich quick” opportunity. The only thing you’ll do quickly is lose money. Most will tell you to act now and to send money for more information. Sadly that information never comes. The best defense is to turn them down right away.

Travel scams

Be wary of calls from individuals awarding you prizes such as vacations. More often than not, these calls are scams. At first it seems like a great deal, but it usually involves being asked to provide a credit card deposit. When unsuspecting victims give in, the vacation is over before it even began.

Prize offers and postcards

Try to avoid tempting prize offers that come in the mail informing you that you’ve won a prize. Unsuspecting victims are told to call a “900” number and when on the line all of a sudden they are asked to pay an additional fee for larger prizes.

Telefunding

Scam artists will call to request contributions to charitable causes. More often than not, these contributions end up benefiting no one but the scam artist.

Disaster relief scams

Be extra cautious of anyone calling you representing a disaster (such as an Asian tsunami or Hurricane Katrina) relief organization. Unfortunately, these tragic events create a way for thieves to take money from well-meaning people. Always ask them for the name of the organization they are representing and a contact number. Call the organization directly before giving money to anyone.

As a consumer, you have the right to:

• Request written information in the mail about the organization calling.
• Get guarantees in writing.
• Refuse to give your credit card number over the phone.
• Know the cost of “900” number calls and how to hang up without charge.
• Know if the caller for a charity is a volunteer or a professional telemarketer.
• Ask how much of your donation will go towards the charity as opposed to paying for administrative costs.
• Protect yourself against phone fraud by staying informed and alert.