WARNING ON FRAUDSTERS

East Sussex County Council's Trading Standards Service is warning residents and businesses who use credit cards to be on their guard as the latest scam shows the lengths criminals will go to rip people off.

The scam begins with a phone call from someone pretending to be from your bank, building society or credit card provider such as Visa or MasterCard.

The caller will say that your account has been used by a company to buy an expensive item and to ensure that it doesn't happen again, you will be asked to 'verify' some of your card details.

This will involve giving your three-digit security code number on the back of the card.

If you fall into the trap and give your number, the fraudster can then shop on the Internet using your card.

"Fraudsters will use every trick in the book to try to fleece you and possibly spend thousands of pounds using your card," said Councillor Bob Tidy, Lead Member for Community Services at the County Council.

"If someone calls and says your card has been used without your consent then of course you are going to be very concerned.

You will want to put a stop to it and you may think that giving your card details will be the end of your worries but it will just be the start. The fact that you are never asked to give your full account details makes it even harder to realise that you are being conned."

"If the criminals have your three-digit security code number that is all they need to buy goods on the Internet using your card. You won't realise what's happened until you get your next statement via email or post '“ but then it's too late."

Trading Standards officers say that the golden rule is never to give your credit card details to anyone who says they are from your bank or card provider. Visa and MasterCard will not ask you for this type of information over the phone or via email.

Trading Standards officers say that if you have any doubts about a caller, you should tell them you will call the bank or credit card provider direct and then call using legitimate telephone numbers. Officers say that if you believe you have been the victim of a scam or attempted scam report the issue to the police or the fraud department of your card provider.

"Many people think they could never be tricked by this sort of thing," said Councillor Tidy. "Unfortunately the number of victims of credit card and bank account fraud is growing by the day. The whole experience causes the victim untold misery, anger and stress which could so easily be avoided."