BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CREDIT and debit cardholders are being advised that a “phishing scheme” has surfaced and tips are being issued that they can use to protect themselves from this and other credit card scams.
A “Fraud Alert” issued yesterday (Mar. 10) by the Caribbean Credit Card Corporation (4Cs), advises that the institution has been made aware of a progressing fraud scheme which is affecting or could affect persons in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“We wish to inform all of our clients that this is likely to be another phishing scheme being carried out in order to obtain cardholder information for some later fraudulent use. Cardholders are strongly advised not to provide their card or other personal identification information when such calls are received. Other schemes include ‘winning cash back for gas’ or $1 product offerings that usually result in additional charges at a later date and at a higher dollar value.”
As part of the scam, “cardholders are being contacted by telephone and are being advised that they have won a cruise. The promoters advocate that although the trip could be taken several months later, a precise sum of money must be paid immediately by credit/debit card in order for the prize to be awarded.”
SKNVibes spoke with a debit cardholder who explained that she received a call on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 and was told by a gentleman that she had won a cruise. She said that because of her suspicions, she did not reveal her card information and ended the conversation.
Phishing, according to www.dictionary.com, is “the practice of luring unsuspecting Internet users to a fake Web site by using authentic-looking email with the real organization's logo, in an attempt to steal passwords, financial or personal information, or introduce a virus attack”.
The Caribbean Credit Card Corporation issued five tips which would reduce or eliminate the risk of cardholders becoming victims of such schemes.
The tips are:
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Never provide any personal, bank account or credit card information to anyone who contacts you through a telephone solicitation. Instead, it is advisable to demand that they mail you information so that you can further research the company and their products and services.
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Protect your PIN and account numbers. Treat online marketers as you would telephone marketers or anyone else you don't know. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is, so pass it up. Only provide your payment card number when you are making a purchase and if you have initiated the negotiation. You should never disclose your PIN or any account password to any online merchant for any reason, and never use your Social Security Number or PIN as a password.
