A new and sophisticated Visa fraud scam is making its way across the Midwest and could soon spread nationwide. Unlike many traditional scams where fraudsters try to trick you into revealing your credit card number, this scam is particularly deceptive because the callers already have your card number—they just need one last piece of information to complete their fraud.

How the Scam Works

Victims receive a call from someone claiming to be a representative from Visa’s fraud department. The caller sounds professional and provides detailed information about the victim’s card, such as:

• The first 12 digits of their card number (but not the last four).
• Their name and billing address.
• A recent purchase they supposedly flagged as suspicious.

The caller then asks the victim to confirm whether they made the purchase. When the victim denies the transaction, the scammer explains that they need to verify the account for security reasons. This is when they ask for the CVV (Card Verification Value)—the three-digit security code on the back of the card.

Why This Scam Is Dangerous

Since the scammers already have most of the victim’s card details, they only need the CVV code to complete online transactions or clone the card for fraudulent purchases. Many online merchants require only the card number, expiration date, and CVV to process a payment—making this scam extremely effective.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Never Share Your CVV Code – No legitimate financial institution or credit card company will ever ask for your CVV over the phone.
2. Hang Up and Call Visa Directly – If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the official number on the back of your Visa card to verify if there is a real issue.
3. Enable Fraud Alerts – Many banks and card issuers offer text or email alerts for unusual transactions. Enable these notifications to stay informed about your account activity.
4. Monitor Your Statements Regularly – Check your credit card statements frequently for unauthorized transactions, no matter how small.
5. Report the Scam – If you receive one of these calls, report it to your bank, Visa, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Final Thoughts

This new Visa fraud scam is especially dangerous because the scammers already have most of your card details, making their request seem more legitimate. Stay vigilant, never share your CVV code, and always verify fraud claims by calling your card issuer directly. By staying informed and cautious, you can avoid falling victim to this deceptive scam.