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We will be updating this post with full details later, but be warned that if you get any call from (+91) 9212045287 (or any other number – they even might be using this number which belong to someone else, who is an innocent person) asking your credit card details, do not provide any information. They are phishing/Fraud/Fake calls.
In a possible scenario they will call you by asking that they belongs to so and so company, confirms you your name and address. As they have your name and address available with them, you will think of them as a genuine call. But remember, your name, address and contact numbers can be collected easily from various sources very easily. For example,
- In a sophisticated scenario: The information could have been collected from a hacked shopping site database by some talented and smart crackers.
- In a non-sophisticated scenario: A guy associated with a courier company/delivery agency can have this information available to him very easily. Or someone can collect from such other sources.
So remember, If someone have your full name, full address, contact details, it doesn’t mean that it is official call.
After convincing you with the above mentioned details, they will ask for several other details very smartly. For example, The company have dispatched you an additional discount card (or something similar, easy to make you weak on your knee, due to a great benefit it offer), have you received the same? As you didn’t (of course, as there is no such thing!); they will then need to collect more information from you to investigate the issue with the courier company. And as your identity was not verified (due to the product is not reached you), you need to get it verified with them before they can process further!
Remember, All the standard sellers dispatch the stuff via couriers (mostly) or registered post. But, in every case, almost all the courier companies or postal department (registered/speed post) have the unique tracking number available with them to track the shipment very easily and promptly.
There are the public access URLs from where the shipment can be tracked very easily and in a very sophisticated and detailed manner.
Even if the shipment is already delivered, the name of the receiver is also available in the records.
Rise of E-commerce made almost all courier service even more responsible, and in case you were not available at the delivery address they will not return the packet, they try a pre-defined number of repeated attempts to reach you, or call on your number printed on the shipment.
The sensitive documents (eg. Credit Card) would be handed over to you (by the courier company) by seeing your identity-proof and recording its registration number, in order to deliver the same in the right hand is their responsibility. And usually such documents are sent under “insured” category to deliver.
If they can pass step 2 then they will ask you to provide the PUBLIC information of your Credit Card which is printed on the same in order to verify the credit card details and based on the same, they will issue the additional benefit card.
Remember, there are no such additional benefit card, that the private companies can offer you, for which they need your credit card information.
Your bank NEVER ask you ANY details about your CREDIT CARD. They have their records.
Even if you want to reset your PIN number for example (in case you forget), you need to request them via ATM machine or filling-in the form at their branch, or via phone banking. The request will be authenticated via your registered phone number using OTP (One Time Password) and the new number will be sent to your registered mailing address only.
Remember NO bank official will ask you EVER for any such OTP you have received on your phone.
Don’t be fooled ever by providing your Credit Card Number and it’s CVV/CVV2 number (printed at the back of the card). They are not the public information by any means. The transactions can be done using this information very easily.
Follow your Bank’s guidelines, be alert, and do NOT provide any such information to anyone.
Call the bank’s helpline/phone banking number immediately. These numbers work round the clock, 365 days a year.
Provide details to them and block your card immediately.
Usually banks can revert the transactions happened in last few hours period as well.
Read your Bank’s newsletters carefully, they usually send “Alert” newsletter regarding such scenarios periodically. All the necessary information is available on their websites to read at any time.
The fraudsters keep getting newer and innovative ways to steal your hard-earned money. There is no point in being paranoid. But yes, it is your money and you have be cautious. Remember that there are no “too good to be true” offers available in the world! So don’t be fooled to receive some benefits you are offered and accidentally provide critical information about your financial stuff. Don’t feel shy in contacting the authority immediately if any such thing happen. Forward fraud Emails to your Banks, provide the phone numbers from which someone tried collecting your personal/financial information to your Bank; they have a security department working on the same; which can than take extensive steps in such cases; so others cannot be harmed. Turn ON receiving alerts when any transaction happen in you Bank A/C or Credit Card. If you lose your mobile which is registered with the bank, immediately take precautions by contacting your phone service provider and bank.
Again, NO ONE EVER (NOT EVEN THE BANK OFFICIAL) need to know your CREDIT CARD and CVV number or OTP you have received. Do NOT provide it to anyone.
Do you happened to know any such incident or scenario, do let us know via comments. Definitely it will help other readers to keep their eyes open and secure themselves against such fraud. Remember, sharing such information with others is one of the best ways to fight against such crime.
