At first glance this scam looks helpful
- Kim Thompson: Better Business Bureau
- June 29, 2020
- 1048
At first glance this scam looks so helpful. It’s a call or text message wanting to help you resolve an overpayment on your credit card. However, this sneaky con is actually a phishing scheme, and it’s only likely to get more popular as COVID causes many shoppers to buy online and businesses to only accept credit cards.
How the scam works
You get a text message or a phone call from someone claiming to represent your credit card company. You are told there is a problem with a recent transaction. You’ve been overcharged, and the company wants to help you get your reimbursement. This scam is especially convincing because scammers often have targets’ names.
Sounds harmless, right? The problem is that this is really a phishing con. You need to answer a few questions in order to get your money back. Of course these questions are asking for personally identifiable information.
Tips to spot this scam
Consider how the company normally contacts you. If it is by phone, be suspicious if you suddenly start receiving emails or texts. Banks and credit card issuers have secure communications channels that require you to log into your account before you can read the message. Be especially cautious of generic emails that include little or no specific information.
Check directly with the bank or credit card issuer before sharing information. Use the customer-service phone number on the back of your card, on your statement or on the company’s website.
Don’t click, download or open anything in a message before you can confirm it. When you are not expecting an email, verify the sender prior to clicking on any links. They are likely an attempt to gain access to your personal information or install malware on your computer.
Learn more about credit card scams at www.BBB.org/CreditCardScam.
For more about scams, go to www.BBB.org/ScamTips. You can visit www.BBB.org/AvoidScams to learn more on how to avoid common scams. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a scam, report it at www.BBB.org/ScamTracker.
Visit www.bbb.org/canton or call 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips, follow on social media and more.