Credit Card Internet Scam

05/04/2009
PRESS RELEASE RELEASE DATE: 05/04/09 CONTACT INFO: Charles Branson Douglas County District Attorney 785-841-0211 cbranson@douglas-county.com Credit Card Internet Scam District Attorney Charles Branson wants to warn consumers of a recent email scam that was reported to his Consumer Protection Division. The email purports to be a program known as "Verified by Visa". The recipient of the email is invited to download a form attached to the email and to "open it in a web browser". The email tells consumers that if they do not sign up for the program, they will no longer be able to use their credit cards for online transactions. "These types of emails are, unfortunately, all too common and too often successful in getting consumers to give their credit card or other personal information to the scammers that send them out", District Attorney Branson said. Branson's Consumer Protection Division wants consumers to know what to look for when receiving these sorts of emails. Anytime a person receives an email purporting to be from their credit card provider, they should immediately call the provider and inquire whether they are aware that such emails have been sent out. The contact number for the credit card company will be on the back of the credit card and is usually a toll-free number. The credit card companies know that email is a means of communication fraught with the potential for fraud and, while they may send emails about special offers or programs, they almost never send emails that will require the communication of sensitive account information. Other indicators that an email is an attempt to defraud the recipient include a lack of personally identifying information but a request that you respond with such information. The credit card company already has the information it needs about you. If they want to change or update that information, email is an unlikely choice as the means to accomplish that. Another indicator that the email is suspicious is a lack of an alternative means to contact the credit card provider in the email itself. While some sophisticated scam emails may have toll-free or other phone numbers where the recipient can call and verify who sent the email, the consumer should never rely on the number in the email. Always look at your card and call the number that is on the card. Most often, however, there will be no alternative way to respond except via email or going to a link provided with the email. Clicking a link may take one to a site that looks legitimate but it can be difficult for most consumers to tell if the site is really what it purports to be. Consumers who have received such emails can report them to the District Attorney's Consumer Protection Division. Such reports can help our office keep up to date on the latest versions of these scams but identifying and taking action against the sender is often unlikely. Consumers who have responded to such emails by providing information about their credit card should contact the Consumer Protection Division or their credit card company to learn about what steps to take to prevent fraudulent use of the information. -30-

Media Contact:
Cheryl L. Wright-Assistant to the District Attorney
District Attorney's Office
785-841-0211
cwright@douglas-county.com