Vishing targets the US cardholders

[img_assist|nid=8331|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=79|height=100]Nowadays scammers and fraudsters become more and more ingenious. Sometimes the specialist even cannot keep the pace of their resource. The California Credit Union League on Wednesday warned credit unions and their members to be on the alert for a new type of scam that is a variation of the widespread email scam known as phishing.

In the new scams, called vishing, a telephone message is left for a victim from an automated random dialer purporting to be the victim's financial institution. The message states that the victim's credit card or account number has been used illegally, and then asks the victim to call a fake 800 number to verify their account information and other identifying information such as name, security code, social security number or place of birth.

Officials at credit unions in San Jose and throughout the Bay Area have gotten reports from members and non-members about the recorded calls, according to the credit union league. In the most recent cases at area credit unions, the messages begin with "This is your credit union calling to inform you that due to excessive use of your credit card your account was closed" In many cases the call occurs late at night. The message also asks the person to call a phone number to re-instate their account. If the phone number is called, the person is asked to provide a valid credit card number and expiration date.

Several credit unions have posted information on their websites to inform members of the vishing scam and tips on what to do if contacted by anyone asking for credit card or account information.

To avoid the scams, the league reminds its credit unions they should continually educate their members regarding such scams with the following tips:

* Do not call a number provided in a phone call or a voice message. Call the number on the back of your credit card or on a billing statement.

* If anyone calls purporting to be with a financial institution or credit card provider and requests your credit card number or the three digit code on the back of the card, hang up and call the phone number on the back of the card to report the attempt. If the call was legitimate, the credit card provider or financial institution will have knowledge of it.

* Be very cautious when dialing a call return number or replying to an email regarding any financial matter.

* Credit card companies normally refer to customers by their full name in any communication. If an email or telephone call does not refer to their full name, it may be a scam.

The California Credit Union League represents more than 425 credit unions in the state.