Card fraud

Carmen

Hi,
I have just had a phone call from my building society (fraud division) to say that someone has tried to use my debit card several times over the last month! The only questions he asked me were my security ones. He knew the last four digits of my card number which he wanted me to confirm so that he could order me a new card. I told him I would like to check him out before I would give him anymore information. He asked me to call the number on the back of my card and get it confirmed, and they would ask him to call me back. I duly did this, the helpline lady said ( after asking me my security questions) there was a flag to call me. I am so paranoid I am now thinking 'was she in on it too' :eek:
I would like to know if it is the norm to make these enquiries over the phone? Has anyone else been in the situation please?
Carmen x

exel1966

Credit card companies/banks look for irregular spending patterns/transactions and will often call the card holder to verify they are genuine.
Just one of many security precautions used nowadays and I for one personally welcome. This is one reason why it's best to advise your credit card company prior to travelling abroad if you're going to be using your card a lot. It can save a lot of embarrasement.
Regardless of thgis it doesn't hurt to check that the call is indeed genuine.

Carmen

I agree with everything you say exel. I do take every precaution to make sure my card usage is safe, I never let it out of my sight when I make a retail purchase, cautious when I use ATM's but obviously not enough! I am still wait for the first caller to get back to me, it has been over an hour and he said they close at 9pm, am I worrying too much?
Carmen x

Paul_Herring

Carmen wrote: »

I would like to know if it is the norm to make these enquiries over the phone? Has anyone else been in the situation please?

Perfectly normal. I've had Egg ring me a couple of times for this reason (most of the time they are valid transactions.)

I've even got their number in the address book of my phone so I have no problem answering their security questions the first time they call me.

FROSTYFRECKLE

Hi Carmen,

I received a phone call from my credit card company a few ago. Asked a few questions regarding security then asked did you use your credit card today? And what about yesterday? etc etc In my case it was fraudulent activity. Be grateful your bank is on the ball, even if it is in error. If you are unfortunate enough to have a thieving little ******* trying to gain access to your accounts, you will want them to be on the ball then as well.

hectoriess3000

I too have had the credit card company phone me in the past but when they started asking me the security questions - paranoid as i am - I wouldn't answer them. I said that I would phone up the credit card company and speak to them directly. The person on the phone was quite surprised by my reaction but understood when I explained about how they might be a bogus caller.

When I phoned the credit card company it was a genuine call but in my opinion you never know. The last four digits of the card are on most till receipts. Better safe than sorry and well done for checking up on them.

James

Getting calls from your card issuer or someone pretending to be your card issuer is alarming. The best thing you can do is to call back the number on your card or on your statement.

I made this posting almost a year ago:

Card Fraud How to Beat (most) of It (Click here).

and here's half the theory in action (BBC Look North Video) click here.

Paul_Herring

James wrote: »

Getting calls from your card issuer [...] is alarming.

No it isn't. Stop scaremongering again.

pigeonpie

It's a horrible feeling when they call and you find out you've been yet another fraud victim and even more annoying when they won't pursue the fraud with the police (who are too stretched). Very good idea to call them back to make sure the call's genuine. I've had it 3x in the last few months and had to cancel 2 cards. The fraudster knows my name, home address and ex card details and I've no idea how as I'm always really careful (my shredder overheats lol). The scariest bit was he gave the address as the shipping address. The retailer involved told me they now intercept courier packages!
Don't worry Carmen, the card's cancelled (inconvenient of course) and you are definitely not alone.
I really wish there was zero tolerance on this and the police could catch these people as until there is, our problems will go on.

Carmen

Hi, thank you all for your assurances.
I did not get the call back last night, after a restless night, still unable to make contact with security division (scary that they are so busy)
I eventually got through to the helpline and they have assured me my 'card is restricted now and the security team will get back to me asap'
Carmen x

Carmen

Carmen wrote: »

Hi, thank you all for your assurances.
I did not get the call back last night, after a restless night, still unable to make contact with security division (scary that they are so busy)
I eventually got through to the helpline and they have assured me my 'card is restricted now and the security team will get back to me asap'
Carmen x

Yes Pigeon, it is also the inconvienence of the whole situation but, a small price to pay.
Thanks
Carmen x