Consumer Awareness
Phone Scam Warning
Merrick Bank would like to warn consumers and our cardholders of a new scam that
is currently being worked throughout the U.S. The point of the scam is to get
access to the three-digit security code on the back of credit cards.
The scam works like this:
A bogus call is received from a person disguised as a bank customer service representative
or VISA or MasterCard representative who may have already stolen your card number
from a receipt or statement. The person calling indicates that they are calling
on behalf of the bank or VISA or MasterCard. They may give you a "badge number"
in an effort to sound more official. They then will attempt to engage you in a conversation.
The sole purpose of which is to convince you to provide them the 3-digit number
on the back of your card (known as the CVV number). For example, they may tell you
they are concerned someone else is using your card or that they are willing to lower
the APR on your account, and they need the CVV number in order to verify your identity
and help you.
NEVER GIVE THESE NUMBERS TO ANYONE WHO CALLS YOU. Merrick Bank will not ask
you for this information. In addition, VISA states that they will never ask consumers
for this information. When someone gets this number together with your account number,
they can use your card to make purchases.