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Safeguarding Your Finances & Yourself against Payment and Telephonic Scams: Comprehensive Guide for Users

Introduction

In today's digital age, where convenience and technology intersect, payment wallets and apps have transformed the way we handle financial transactions. However, this transformation has also given rise to a new breed of scams that target unsuspecting individuals, particularly in India. As the popularity of payment platforms grows, so does the need to stay vigilant against payment and telephonic scams. This article aims to provide Indian users with essential insights and practical tips to avoid falling victim to these scams.

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and digitization, the convenience of digital payment platforms and telephonic communication has transformed the way Indians conduct financial transactions and interact with each other. However, this digital transformation has also given rise to a new breed of criminals who exploit unsuspecting individuals through payment and telephonic scams. These scams can result in significant financial loss, personal information exposure, and emotional distress. This article aims to equip readers with knowledge and strategies to identify and evade such scams, thereby ensuring their financial well-being and security.

The Landscape of Rising Threat of Payment and Telephonic Scams

India's digital payment ecosystem has witnessed exponential growth over the past decade, with the proliferation of mobile wallets, UPI-based apps, and online banking platforms. While these innovations have undoubtedly brought convenience, they have also opened doors for various fraudulent activities. Telephonic scams, on the other hand, exploit the inherent trust people place in phone calls as a means of communication. Scammers often impersonate bank representatives, government officials, or customer service agents to deceive individuals into sharing sensitive information or making unauthorized transactions.

The advent of digital payment platforms in India has indeed brought a multitude of benefits, but it has also opened doors for fraudulent activities. Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in their methods, exploiting human psychology and technological vulnerabilities to deceive users into divulging sensitive information or transferring funds unwittingly. Among the most common scams are phishing attacks, fake customer support calls, QR code fraud, and unauthorized transactions.

Recognizing Common Scam Patterns & Understanding Payment and Telephonic Scams

To effectively safeguard against payment and telephonic scams, it's crucial to recognize common scam patterns. Some prevalent tactics include:

Impersonation: Scammers often pose as bank officials, government representatives, or customer service agents. They use official-sounding language and claim urgent issues requiring immediate action to pressure victims into divulging personal information.

Urgent Requests: Scammers create a sense of urgency, urging victims to act quickly. This tactic is designed to prevent victims from taking the time to verify the legitimacy of the call or request.

Phishing Messages: Fraudulent messages, emails, or calls often contain links that lead to fake websites designed to steal login credentials or financial information.

Cashback Offers: Scammers may entice victims with fake cashback offers, luring them into sharing personal details or making payments to avail of the promised benefits.

Prize Winnings: Calls or messages informing individuals that they have won a prize or a lottery are often scams aimed at extracting personal information or upfront payments.

Phishing Attacks: Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card details, by disguising as a trustworthy entity. Scammers often send deceptive emails, messages, or links that prompt users to provide personal information.

Fake Customer Support Calls: Scammers impersonate customer support representatives, claiming to assist users with their payment issues. They coax users into revealing OTPs (One-Time Passwords) or other confidential details under the pretense of resolving problems.

QR Code Fraud: QR codes have become a popular method for transferring funds. Scammers can create fake QR codes and trick users into scanning them, resulting in unauthorized transfers to the scammer's account.

Unauthorized Transactions: Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in payment apps, using malware or hacking techniques to gain unauthorized access to users' accounts and initiate transactions without their knowledge.

Preventive Measures: How to Stay Safe

Verify Authenticity: Before downloading any payment app, ensure that it is from a legitimate source, such as the official app store. Research the app's developer and read reviews to confirm its authenticity. Always verify the authenticity of any call or message. Do not share personal, financial, or OTP (One-Time Password) details over the phone or via messages.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Always enable 2FA for all your online accounts, including payment apps. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message or fingerprint, in addition to your password.

Beware of Phishing: Be cautious of unsolicited messages, emails, or links asking for sensitive information. Legitimate institutions will never ask you to share passwords, OTPs, or other confidential details via email or text.

Independent Verification: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a payment app's customer support, hang up and independently look up the official customer support number. Call them directly to verify the authenticity of the call.

Secure Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, especially when conducting financial transactions. Use a secure and private network to minimize the risk of your data being intercepted.

Regularly Check Transactions: Frequently review your transaction history in payment apps. Report any suspicious or unauthorized transactions immediately to your bank or the payment platform's customer support.

QR Code Vigilance: Be cautious when scanning QR codes, especially from unknown sources. Double-check the recipient's details before confirming any payment.

App Permissions: Pay attention to the permissions an app requests during installation. Limit access to sensitive data like contacts, camera, and location only when necessary.

Update Software: Keep your operating system, payment apps, and security software up to date. Developers often release updates that patch security vulnerabilities.

Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scam tactics and the latest scams and techniques that scammers use. Knowledge is your best defense against falling victim to fraudulent activities and be cautious when receiving unexpected calls or messages.

Use Trusted Apps: Stick to well-known, reputable payment apps and platforms. Download apps from official app stores only.

Secure Devices: Regularly update your devices' operating systems and security software to prevent vulnerabilities that scammers might exploit.

Privacy Settings: Review and adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms. Scammers often gather information from public profiles to personalize their attacks.

Avoid Clicking Links: Do not click on links in unsolicited messages or emails. Instead, manually type in the website address to ensure you're accessing the correct site.

Ignore Pressure: Scammers often employ pressure tactics. Stay calm and take your time to verify the legitimacy of the situation.

Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you've encountered a scam, report it to your bank, the police, and relevant authorities. This not only protects you but helps prevent others from falling victim.

Conclusion

The convenience and efficiency of payment wallets and apps in India have revolutionized the way we manage our finances. However, these platforms have also become breeding grounds for scams and fraudulent activities that can compromise our financial security. To navigate this digital landscape safely, users must be armed with knowledge and follow best practices to avoid falling prey to payment and telephonic scams. By staying vigilant, verifying authenticity, and employing preventive measures, individuals can confidently embrace the benefits of digital payments while keeping their financial information secure.

The digital revolution has undeniably brought immense convenience to our lives, especially in the realm of financial transactions and communication. However, it's crucial to remain vigilant and well-informed to protect ourselves from the growing threat of payment and telephonic scams. By recognizing common scam patterns, implementing preventive measures, and following best practices, we can navigate the digital landscape with confidence, ensuring our financial security and peace of mind. Remember, staying informed is the first line of defense against these malicious activities.

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THERE IS NO COMPULSION NOR ARE YOU FORCED TO BUY THE PRODUCTS THAT I HAVE LISTED HERE.

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Introduction

The Landscape of Rising Threat of Payment and Telephonic Scams

Recognizing Common Scam Patterns & Understanding Payment and Telephonic Scams

To effectively safeguard against payment and telephonic scams, it's crucial to recognize common scam patterns. Some prevalent tactics include:

Impersonation: Scammers often pose as bank officials, government representatives, or customer service agents. They use official-sounding language and claim urgent issues requiring immediate action to pressure victims into divulging personal information.

Urgent Requests: Scammers create a sense of urgency, urging victims to act quickly. This tactic is designed to prevent victims from taking the time to verify the legitimacy of the call or request.

Phishing Messages: Fraudulent messages, emails, or calls often contain links that lead to fake websites designed to steal login credentials or financial information.

Cashback Offers: Scammers may entice victims with fake cashback offers, luring them into sharing personal details or making payments to avail of the promised benefits.

Prize Winnings: Calls or messages informing individuals that they have won a prize or a lottery are often scams aimed at extracting personal information or upfront payments.

Phishing Attacks: Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card details, by disguising as a trustworthy entity. Scammers often send deceptive emails, messages, or links that prompt users to provide personal information.

Fake Customer Support Calls: Scammers impersonate customer support representatives, claiming to assist users with their payment issues. They coax users into revealing OTPs (One-Time Passwords) or other confidential details under the pretense of resolving problems.

QR Code Fraud: QR codes have become a popular method for transferring funds. Scammers can create fake QR codes and trick users into scanning them, resulting in unauthorized transfers to the scammer's account.

Unauthorized Transactions: Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in payment apps, using malware or hacking techniques to gain unauthorized access to users' accounts and initiate transactions without their knowledge.

Preventive Measures: How to Stay Safe

Verify Authenticity: Before downloading any payment app, ensure that it is from a legitimate source, such as the official app store. Research the app's developer and read reviews to confirm its authenticity. Always verify the authenticity of any call or message. Do not share personal, financial, or OTP (One-Time Password) details over the phone or via messages.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Always enable 2FA for all your online accounts, including payment apps. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message or fingerprint, in addition to your password.

Beware of Phishing: Be cautious of unsolicited messages, emails, or links asking for sensitive information. Legitimate institutions will never ask you to share passwords, OTPs, or other confidential details via email or text.

Independent Verification: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a payment app's customer support, hang up and independently look up the official customer support number. Call them directly to verify the authenticity of the call.

Secure Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, especially when conducting financial transactions. Use a secure and private network to minimize the risk of your data being intercepted.

Regularly Check Transactions: Frequently review your transaction history in payment apps. Report any suspicious or unauthorized transactions immediately to your bank or the payment platform's customer support.

QR Code Vigilance: Be cautious when scanning QR codes, especially from unknown sources. Double-check the recipient's details before confirming any payment.

App Permissions: Pay attention to the permissions an app requests during installation. Limit access to sensitive data like contacts, camera, and location only when necessary.

Update Software: Keep your operating system, payment apps, and security software up to date. Developers often release updates that patch security vulnerabilities.

Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scam tactics and the latest scams and techniques that scammers use. Knowledge is your best defense against falling victim to fraudulent activities and be cautious when receiving unexpected calls or messages.

Use Trusted Apps: Stick to well-known, reputable payment apps and platforms. Download apps from official app stores only.

Secure Devices: Regularly update your devices' operating systems and security software to prevent vulnerabilities that scammers might exploit.

Privacy Settings: Review and adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms. Scammers often gather information from public profiles to personalize their attacks.

Avoid Clicking Links: Do not click on links in unsolicited messages or emails. Instead, manually type in the website address to ensure you're accessing the correct site.

Ignore Pressure: Scammers often employ pressure tactics. Stay calm and take your time to verify the legitimacy of the situation.

Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you've encountered a scam, report it to your bank, the police, and relevant authorities. This not only protects you but helps prevent others from falling victim.

Conclusion

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THERE IS NO COMPULSION NOR ARE YOU FORCED TO BUY THE PRODUCTS THAT I HAVE LISTED HERE.

I DO NOT ENDORSE ANY OF THE BELOW PRODUCTS.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Art of Decision-Making: A Witty Guide to Navigating Life

NOTICE: This blog post was written with help and inputs using ChatGPT

Image Credits: #Freepik

Introduction:

Ah, decision-making! The thrilling rollercoaster ride that is an inevitable part of life. From the moment we wake up to the moment we hit the pillow, we are faced with choices big and small. But fear not, dear reader, for I am here to guide you through the whimsical and often perplexing world of decision-making, armed with wit, charm, and a sprinkle of joviality. So buckle up and let's dive into the art of making decisions!

1. Embrace the Power of Procrastination:

Ah, procrastination, the timeless art of delaying decisions until the very last minute. While some may frown upon this approach, I say embrace it! After all, why rush into a decision when you can savor the delicious uncertainty of not knowing? Plus, the added pressure of a looming deadline might just make your decision-making process all the more thrilling!

2. Consult Your Crystal Ball:

When faced with a particularly perplexing decision, why not consult the mystical powers of a crystal ball? While I can't guarantee its accuracy, the mere act of gazing into a crystal ball can transport you to a whimsical realm where decisions are made based on a twist of fate. It's a witty and playful approach that adds an element of surprise to your decision-making adventures.

3. Flip a Coin... or Three:

In the game of decision-making, nothing beats the classic coin flip. But why settle for one flip when you can have three? Yes, my friend, the triple coin flip method is where it's at! Assign each option to a side of the coin and let fate decide your course. And if you're feeling particularly playful, throw in a dramatic catch in mid-air for extra flair.

4. Seek the Wisdom of the Universe... or Your Local Cat:

When faced with life's toughest decisions, why not turn to the universe for guidance? Seek out the mystical wisdom of the stars, or better yet, consult your furry companion. Cats, with their enigmatic personalities, have long been revered as decision-making experts. Simply observe their behavior and let their meows and purrs guide you on the path to enlightenment... or at least to a good belly rub.

5. Embrace the Art of "Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe":

Remember that childhood rhyme? It's time to bring it back! Sometimes, decisions can feel overwhelming, leaving us paralyzed by choices. In those moments, a round of "Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe" can be just the ticket. It's a playful and light-hearted way to give fate the reins and let go of the burden of decision-making.

Conclusion:

And there you have it, dear reader, a whimsical guide to decision-making that's sure to bring a smile to your face. Remember, life is full of choices, big and small, and making decisions can be both daunting and delightful. So why not infuse some humor and playfulness into the process? Embrace procrastination, consult your crystal ball, flip some coins, seek the wisdom of the universe, and play a round of "Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe." Let your decisions be guided by wit and joviality, and may your life be filled with adventurous choices and delightful surprises!

Now, go forth, embrace the art of decision-making, and let your journey be filled with laughter and joy!

The Art of Decision-Making: A Witty Guide to Navigating Life

by Devesh Prabhu on 8:57:00 PM

NOTICE: This blog post was written with help and inputs using ChatGPT Image Credits: #Freepik Introduction: Ah, decision-making! The thrill...

NOTICE: This blog post was written with help and inputs using ChatGPT

Google Analytics (GA4)

In the ever-evolving world of digital analytics, change is the only constant. Brace yourself, because from July 1, 2023 onwards, Google Analytics 4 (GA4) will replace Universal Analytics as the go-to tool for tracking website and app performance. Don't panic just yet! In this witty and engaging article, we'll break down the transition and explain why you should make the switch sooner rather than later. So grab a cup of coffee, buckle up, and let's dive into the wonderful world of GA4.

Bid Farewell to Universal Analytics (UA):

As the clock ticks closer to July 1, it's time to bid farewell to Universal Analytics. We've had some good times together, but it's time to embrace the future. GA4 is the latest iteration of Google Analytics, designed to provide more robust insights into user behavior and advanced measurement capabilities. So, wave goodbye to the old and get ready to welcome the new!

The Future is Google Analytics (GA4):

Why should you switch to GA4? Well, it's not just a mere upgrade; it's a leap into the future of analytics. GA4 offers a host of exciting features, including cross-platform tracking, enhanced user journey visualization, and AI-powered insights. With GA4, you can gain a deeper understanding of your audience and their interactions, enabling you to optimize your digital presence like never before.

Time is of the Essence:

Tick-tock, the clock is ticking! If you haven't made the switch yet, now is the time. By getting everything ready before the deadline, you'll ensure a seamless transition and avoid any potential data gaps. GA4 requires a new implementation, so allocate sufficient time to update your tracking codes and adjust to the new data model. Remember, procrastination is not an option if you want to stay ahead of the game!

Embrace Change and Improve:

Change can be daunting, but it also presents opportunities for growth. Embrace the transition to GA4 as a chance to reevaluate your digital strategy and make improvements. The new capabilities of GA4 open doors to deeper insights, empowering you to make data-driven decisions that fuel your success. So, let go of the old and seize the chance to enhance your understanding of your audience and fine-tune your marketing efforts.

Tips for a Smooth Transition:

Switching to GA4 doesn't have to be a bumpy ride. Here are some tips to make your transition a smooth one: start by setting clear goals and defining key performance indicators; familiarize yourself with the new interface and reporting features; migrate important customizations and configurations; and finally, run parallel tracking to compare data between Universal Analytics and GA4 during the transition period. Remember, preparation is the key to success!

Conclusion:

The deadline for switching to GA4 is fast approaching, and it's time to take action. Bid farewell to Universal Analytics and embrace the future of digital insights. With GA4, you'll unlock a treasure trove of data, enabling you to make smarter decisions, optimize your website or app, and stay ahead of the competition. So, don't delay any longer—make the switch, get everything ready, and prepare to embark on a data-driven journey that will revolutionize your digital presence. The future is GA4, and the time to act is now!

Google Analytics (GA4) Replaces Universal Analytics (UA): Upgrade Your Digital Insights Before the Deadline!

by Devesh Prabhu on 11:24:00 AM

NOTICE: This blog post was written with help and inputs using ChatGPT Google Analytics (GA4) In the ever-evolving world of digital analytics...

Dragon Blogger Technology and Entertainment has partnered with Togoo Tech, Jaypee Online, Kworld and Hamswan to bring you a PlayStation 4 Pro Giveaway which includes an accessory pack including Kworld Gaming Earbuds and the Hamswan 2.4ghz Wireless Gaming Headset.

One winner will receive the PlayStation 4 PRO with 1TB hard drive and this is the newer PlayStation 4 Pro that releases on November 10th 2016, not the original PS4. This PS4 PRO has a more powerful GPU as well as faster GDDR RAM and is better able to support PlayStation VR games if you add a PlayStation VR later. This giveaway is open internationally with some conditions so see the official rules on the Dragon Blogger Giveaway page for more information on International rules for the giveaway.

Enter Now For Your Chance to Win a PlayStation 4 PRO

PS4 Pro Plus Giveaway Goodie Pack Co-Host with Dragonblogger

by Devesh Prabhu on 9:47:00 PM

Dragon Blogger Technology and Entertainment has partnered with Togoo Tech , Jaypee Online , Kworld and Hamswan to bring you a PlayStation ...

It all started with the government trying to win the votes of the farmers and promised them subsidies and write-off on their loans from the banks. This led to huge amounts of money being written off as bad loans and the money accumulated to such enormous amounts that most government banks had their market share and shares go below their actual value due to the debt that they incurred.

When any company or even anybody that has more debt than they are generating income, for the next succeeding years it is always hard for them to balance their balance sheets. The thing is you’re trying to match the positives and the negatives of balance sheet. You can technically write this off, but on the actual books, you are in the red. Once you are in the red, it now becomes the race to equal it off or come back into the black or positive side of the balance sheet.

Suppose I have a book that is worth 10, but I’m giving it to you for 8. If my manufacturing or production cost is less than 8, then whatever I’m making will be gross profit and after forgoing my costs and other expenses it will be my net income/profit. Until the cost that I’m providing it to you does not go below my manufacturing or production cost, I will still make a profit but at a lower amount.

Subsidies and its Impact on Economy

by Devesh Prabhu on 9:08:00 PM

It all started with the government trying to win the votes of the farmers and promised them subsidies and write-off on their loans from th...

Impact of Fiscal Deficit, Current Account Deficit on Indian economy

The main thing is that both fiscal deficit and current account deficit are differences between income/revenue and expenditure.

Fiscal deficit is the difference between the government’s total expenditures and its revenues (excluding money from borrowings).

Current account deficit is the difference between the revenue earned by a country from its trade activities and its expenditure due to imports.

Now that we’ve got the definitions out of the way, in a sense both of them deal with either the positives of the negatives (in terms of income/expenditure) that the country has. In India’s case, both are in negatives or we have high deficit. Too bluntly (or technically) put it we are in the red on the balance sheet.

There are many things that have led to this. An open economy, imports, manufacturing practices, rules and regulations, easiness of setting up a business, subsidies/favors, taxes (corporate), inflation, salaries, infusion of foreign capital and the proper use, et cetera…

When you open up an economy to the outside world, this leads to something called as innovation and brings in various methods and ways to circumvent the rules and regulations (i.e., cheating/evasion). Any common that comes into power would like its name to be remembered forever for the good things it does, and along the way it tries to do things with a different approach.

Now, you must wonder why after more than 60+ (65) years after independence from British rule we have not been able to become truly independent from our archaic rules and regulations that the British had setup. We have now become a true software powerhouse and in the coming years become a truly independent manufacturing powerhouse, but with the current colonialist and dynasty type of ruling where the government that comes into power, they try to get their loved ones and relatives into prominent positions to help them later out.

This leads to the Indian economy again going down as the deficit keeps on building up and there is a negative balance which needs to attain zero or rise to the positive or plus side of the balance sheet. Unless there is a proper overhaul of the current archaic rules and regulations and a serious and it the various amendments and or repeal of these rules and regulations the Indian economy will still be in tatters down the line.

Any government that is going to be in power needs to look at the bottom-line of the economy, proper education and providence of food and shelter to the needy, better building up of its workforce, all-round development, and a boost to the roots of the economy.

The economy is struggling because of the deficit and it is being protected due to the reason that whatever income or surplus (if at all any) is being generated by the country goes into filling up the deficit that has been created over the past 60+ years. The situation now is that however much we are creating or producing is just not enough to fill that gap and the negativity or bad side effect is that we’re still creating more deficit year over year which still makes the deficit higher.

The government or we as the people have to look at ways to get things going in a way that the Japanese, Korean, and Chinese people have done. If you remember correctly, after the Hiroshima bombing Japan was devastated, but with hard work and determination they were able to turn themselves around and are now the world leaders in manufacturing of various products. The sheer volume of which they are able to maintain quality of their products at a lower rate and still beat out competitors is truly amazing.

Our country (India) needs an all-round look into how we do things on all aspects. There are many areas where we are lacking (if you ask me, I would say in everything). It is not just the simple things that we look to circumvent. Our dependence on technology has risen to such a point that we are now not able to live without it. When we buy things from a foreign country it essentially means that the money we earn is going to that country or it is flowing out of the country to simply put it.

Due to globalization and the three nations (Japanese, Korean, and Chinese) capacity to mass produce on an exceptionally high scale, our local manufacturers and producers are not able to keep up due to hindrances placed by our own elected leaders.

When we do not have inbuilt production or manufacturing, we depend on outside assistance for products. You have to understand that for manufacturing or production there is the need for raw materials and importing that is somewhat of a good thing. But our dependence should not be on importing the full finished product, but should be on importing only the raw materials and exporting the finished products.

When you have less income and your expenses are high that is when you get either fiscal deficit or a current account deficit and this leads to our economy going down irrespective of whatever steps we take to bring it back up.

Impact of Fiscal/Current Account deficit on Indian economy

by Devesh Prabhu on 8:21:00 PM

The main thing is that both fiscal deficit and current account deficit are differences between income/revenue and expenditure. Fisca...

[AVOID] HOW-To Avoid Credit Card Scams & Scammers

New Credit Card Scam!

The following was taken from a post on Facebook and edited for better understanding.

This information is worth reading. By understanding how VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.

One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "MasterCard". Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it.

The scam works like this:

The 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 that was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for £249.99 from a Marketing company based in (name of any town or city)?"

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 £150 to £249, just under the £250 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 0800 number listed on the back of your card and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"

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. Do you have any other questions?" After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back; if you do", and hangs up. You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of £249.99 was charged to our card.

Long story made short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new 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 VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost to late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of MasterCard" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening.

Please pass this on to all your family and friends. By informing each other, we protect each other.

[AVOID] HOW-To Avoid Credit Card Scams & Scammers

by Devesh Prabhu on 11:15:00 AM

New Credit Card Scam! The following was taken from a post on Facebook and edited for better understanding. This information is worth re...

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Safeguarding Your Finances & Yourself against Payment and Telephonic Scams: Comprehensive Guide for Users