KIRKSVILLE, MISSOURI -- Press Release from Adair County Sheriff’s Office

The Adair County Sheriff’s Office wishes to alert our community to a suspected telephone credit card scam that has been occurring in our area.

Members of our community have been reporting that they have received unsolicited telephone calls from persons who claim to be with a credit card company.  In recent cases it has been Mastercard, but any credit card company’s name could be used.  This particular scam uses the “hook” that you are eligible to have your interest rates lowered on your credit card and that they simply have to confirm some of your information.  Of course, the scammer wants you to provide your personnel information, credit card numbers and the security numbers on the back of your card.  It is reported that these callers are very persuasive.

After the call ends, the caller can use the information you may have given to make charges on your account or to create a new account in your name.

Credit card telephone scammers sometimes get you to call them by leaving a number on your answering machine or in an email.  Scammers can even spoof your caller ID and have your creditor's name show up. Don't be victimized.

Don't give out any information on calls you didn't initiate, no matter how legitimate the call may seem.  If you suspect the call is from a scammer your best defense is to HANG UP!  At this point you have regained control of the situation.  You can now check on the legitimacy of the call by calling the customer service number on the back of your credit card or on your credit card billing statement.

It's easy to fall prey to a credit card telephone scam. If you mistakenly give out your personal information, call your creditor immediately. You may be given a new credit card number to prevent fraudulent charges from being made on your account. Check your account regularly and report any suspicious activity.

If you accidently gave out your social security number, place a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit report to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. Monitor your credit report regularly and dispute any accounts that don't belong to you.