Safeguard Your Credit Card Codes
T
here are a number of ways you can charge things to your credit card these days without having to physically present the card to the seller. You can order nearly anything you want on the Internet, and now even places like pizza delivery businesses will take credit card orders over the phone. However, these conveniences have led to new opportunities for identity thieves to charge things to your card without having to actually steal it. The determined thief can get hold of your card’s account number by digging through the trash for discarded receipts or credit card statements, or finding some other way to scam the information out of unsuspecting victims. In response to this problem, many credit card companies have added a new level of security. On the back of many cards in the signature block is a series of numbers, the last three of which are a personal identification number. This PIN is not encoded in the magnetic strip and does not appear on receipts. Many vendors cannot process credit card purchases without getting the PIN from the customer, which ensures the purchaser has physical possession of the card. Now the thieves have to find a way to get your PIN, otherwise the account numbers they’ve obtained are useless. One way to get that PIN is to employ a telephone scam that preys upon people’s tendency to accept apparent authority without question and a willingness to cooperate to right a wrong. The scammer might call you posing as a person from the Security and Fraud Department of your credit card company and claim your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase. The scammer will ask you if you made the purchase, and, of course, you’ll say no, because the scammer made it up. He or she will assure you that your account will be reimbursed for the supposed fraudulent purchase and that an investigation will be initiated. You’ll be directed to call the 1800 number on the back of your card if you have any further questions. Having won your confidence that this is a legitimate call, the scammer will then ask you to give your PIN to him or her
under the pretense of verifying that you have the card in your possession right now. Once the call is over, you’ll probably hang up thinking that all is well and that the credit card company is doing a great job looking out for you. However, you may get a shock when your next billing statement arrives loaded with purchases you didn’t make.
From The Sheriff
…Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson Credit card companies and the financial institutions that issue the credit cards typically don’t ask cardholders to disclose security codes or provide any information verifying physical possession of the card. The best way to avoid becoming a victim of this scam is to verify the identity of the caller. If you have security questions or concerns about your credit card, call the financial institution that issued your card. If someone calls you about your card, ask the caller to provide his name, department, and extension, then hang up and call him or her back through the phone number listed on your card or billing statement to verify he is legitimate. ST
A1 Affordable Cremation Combining Quality & Cost Cremation Specialists
24-Hour Availability
785
$
No Hidden Charges Office Hours By Appointment
1672 Ridgewood Ave.• Holly Hill
386-405-3128
www.a1affordablecremation.com
AUDIOLOGY & HEARING AID SERVICES Deborah R. Zarajczyk, MA, CCC/A
Complete Audiological Evaluations • Video Otoscopic Exams • Real Ear Measurements • Most Major Brands–Sales & Service • Oticon DigiFocus 100% Digital Hearing Aids • Omni TYMP 2000 Completely In The Canal Aids • Resound Hearing Aids With AT&T Technology Call today for an appointment and discover how better hearing can improve the quality of your life!
1400 Hand Ave., Suite M Ormond Beach
Page A-8—Seniors Today—December 24, 2010
673-5280