A Fake Credit Statement Could Appear in Your Mailbox
The next iteration of credit card fraud could be in your mailbox: Some scammers are now using fake credit card statements in an attempt to steal your identity. Read on to learn what is happening and how you can give these fraudsters the slip.
Scammers and con artists have been sending fake credit card statements into some mailboxes, and yours could be next.
In September, past due credit card statements that very much appeared to be from Capital One began being delivered in mailboxes in Indiana. However, these statements are are counterfit. Instead, they are part of an elaborate credit phishing scam meant to encourage victims to give their financial account information to identity fraudsters.
The fraudsters are cunning; these credit card statements look legitimate. All the trappings of a real statement are prominent on these fake credit card statements. Some of the things victims are likely to be fooled by include an official looking logo with web site, as well as a bar code by the address. A phone number for customer questions sends you to the fraudsters. The scammers hope to scare you into sending money that is “past due”. If that doesn’t work, they hope that you call the number available on the statement, and give up personal information, making obtain your personal information.
One of the main reasons you might contact the identity thieves is that you might not even bank with the credit card issuer listed on the false bill.
Could Your Credit Card Statement Be Next?
So far, the fraudsters’ credit card statements are limited to a rather local area. However, you never know when you could be next. It’s fairly easy for a crafty scammer to get your name and address. A more difficult task is getting the personal credit card account information only you can provide.
If you want to protect yourself from a phishing scam like this, you will need to be very careful. Do not call the number listed on a bill that comes from an issuer that you don’t bank with. Also, avoid calling a number from a credit card statement that provides information about your account that you know to be false. Instead, look up the official customer service number on the web site. You should also refrain from giving full account numbers to those who contact you and ask for it. If asked for an account number, only give the last four digits. Your real issuer won’t need the full number. And, for email, do not click on links sent to you. Open a new window and log in to your account from the official home page.
If you suspect a phishing scam or any form of misrepresentation on your statement, contact the credit card company using its official number on a previous statement or on the credit card issuer’s website, and then call authorities. Safety first in financial dealing; you’ll be happier to play it safe than finding out later that you are the victim of identity fraud.
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The writer is Drew Cassels, who represents this website where you can apply for Canadian credit cards online, and his chief goals are to provide consumers with excellent information they can use to be good credit card users. If it’s time for you to get a new credit card, apply for MBNA Canada credit card online today.
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