The $9.84 Charge Scam

New credit scam warnings. Following the widespread credit data breach that affected Target customers (as well as customers of other major retailers) over the holiday period, the Better Business Bureau has now issued a new safety warning, and there is a possibility that this warning is related to the holiday data breach.

Reports are emerging that consumers are finding unauthorized charges on their statements. In most cases this charge is $9.84, categorized on the statement as a ‘Customer Support’ charge with one of a number of fake websites.

When victims visit the website levying the charge, they are provided with a telephone support number and an email address. After getting in contact, they are told that the charge will be removed and the amount credited to the affected account. It is not certain whether this information is fake, and whether getting in contact will actually lead to the account being reimbursed.

We recommend that all affected consumers DO NOT get in contact with these fake websites. There are a number of recommendations provided by the BBB to help consumers protect themselves:

–       If you suspect fraud, get in contact with your card issuer.

–       You should destroy your current card and request a new one.

–       Place a fraud alert on your credit file (visit the Federal Trade Commission Website ftc.gov)

–       Be vigilant with all of your existing accounts

Investigators are still determining whether this scam has anything to do with the data stolen over the holiday period.

The ‘One Ring’ Return Call Scam – DON’T RETURN THE CALL!

The BBB is also warning consumers about another scam, which appears to be unrelated to the holiday-period data breach and the $9.84 charge scam. As of writing no complaints have yet been filed, however the president of the BBB Steve J. Bernas has stated that this scam is spreading across the U.S. very quickly and it is only a matter of time before complaints are filed.

In this scam, malware is used to infect personal computers, which then make thousands of calls to random telephone numbers. Each call only lasts for one ring before it disconnects, hence the name.

The purpose of the scam is to tempt people with missed calls on their phones to return the call.  When they do so, they are charged $19.95 for an international call fee. Victims have reported that the calls are coming from various international locations, mainly foreign British territories.

If you have been affected by this scam, you should immediately alert your cell phone carrier and watch your bill carefully. The earlier you report the fraud, the better chance you will have of having the charges partially or fully reimbursed.

The BBB states that the best way to protect yourself from this fraud is to not answer or return calls for any international numbers that you do not recognize.

For more help and information, visit the Better Business Bureau website bbb.org.

Be Vigilant,