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Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter Area LTB1 June 2008

Latest Credit Card Scam, Police Crime Report, Home Security.

By Malcolm Lawrence - 2nd June 2008 - Back to News

Neighbourhood Watch Area LTB1, Bridle Estate.

Police Co-ordinator: Senior Constable Brett Godden, Phone 5131 5085

Next Meeting

When:

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Salvation Army Hall,

Bridle Road, Morwell.

Don’t Forget! The Neighbourhood Watch Police Band Concert at Kernot Hall on Wednesday 9th July. Tickets available at the next NHW meeting, from Carmen or your Zone Leader. Price $7.00

LATEST CREDIT CARD SCAM

This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.

The scam works like this:
Caller: '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 which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in Arizona?'
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 $297 to $497, just under the e $500 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 1800 number listed on the back of your card (1800-VISA) 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. The card holder called the 1800 number within 20 minutes to ask a question. They were glad they did! The REAL VISA Security Department told them it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to their card.
The VISA account was immediately closed. 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 say that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card.

Police Crime Report For May 2008 NHW Area LTB1

Due To Privacy Considerations NOT ALL Offences For This Area Are Listed

• 5/5/2008 Waratah Drive Arson at a residence.
• 6/5/2008 Gillie Crescent Burglary.
• 7/5/2008 The Boulevard Property damage to the front garden of a house.
• 6/5/2008 Waratah Drive Burglary at a house.
• 9/5/2008 The Boulevard Burglary at a house.
• 12/5/2008 Garden Street Property damage to a warehouse.
• 12/5/2008 The Boulevard Burglary at a house.
• 12/5/2008 Gabo Way Theft from a motor vehicle.
• 19/5/2008 Chestnut Avenue Burglary at a house.
• 20/5/2008 Waratah Drive Theft from a motor vehicle in the driveway of a house.
• 26/1/2008 Susan Court Theft from a unit.

Summary Of Stolen Items For The Above Offences

1 Electrical Appliance, 4 Household Items, 2 Personal Property, 1 Tools, 7 Other.

4 Offenders were arrested for any reported offence in the area.

Remember! always report any suspicious incidents to the Police by dialling 000 (triple zero)

People inside can look out through their windows, people outside can look in. When the lights are on at night keep the blinds or curtains drawn. A criminal can look into a lit room and cast an eye over the contents with a view to carrying out a burglary at a later date.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au