Definition

• A credit card fraud hoax is a form of "phishing," which is an attempt to trick a person into revealing credit card numbers or other sensitive information. A fraud hoax involves convincing the person that the information has already been compromised. The scammer claims to need credit card numbers to remedy the situation.
  
  

Types

• Credit card fraud hoax comes in two major types. The Vermont state government warns that scammers often blanket an area with recorded telephone calls claiming to be from the recipient's credit union or bank. The recording claims the person's account is frozen due to suspected fraud. The customer is instructed to reactivate it by entering the account number, expiration date and security code, which is then stolen.
  
  The second major type involves a similar notification sent by email. The recipient is advised to click a link and enter the account information. The linked website is fraudulent and collects the information for criminal purposes.
  
  

Considerations

• Most credit card fraud hoaxes are broadly aimed so the recorded telephone call or email message will not contain personal information, according to the Phish Tank. Scammers will use the name of a major bank like Citibank because they are likely to hit some customers with enough random calls or emails. Their contact will not include the customer's name. The email or phone greeting will say something like "Dear Citibank customer," or "Hello Chase credit card customer." It may even mention your Visa beginning with a "4" or your MasterCard beginning with "5" because those are the first numbers of every Visa and MasterCard account.
  
  

Prevention

• Hang up immediately on any pre-recorded telephone call asking for a credit card number. Call the credit card company back directly to be sure there is a problem, the FBI advises. Many banks do call customers because of suspected fraud, but it is difficult to distinguish legitimate incoming calls. A callback is the best verification.
  
  Delete emails asking for account information, especially if they have a generic salutation. Call the bank directly if an email appears potentially legitimate.
  
  

Warning

• Consumers who believe they may have given credit card information to a scammer should contact their banks immediately. Credit cards have customer service numbers on their backs, and the numbers are also printed on monthly statements. The account can be frozen if there is a problem, and the bank can issue new credit cards.