Fake Capital One Fraud Voicemails

Beware of the Latest Scammer Tactic

July 15, 2024 by cryan.com

In today's digital age, scams have evolved to become more sophisticated and convincing. Recently, I encountered a new scam technique that everyone should be aware of. The scam involves receiving a voice message supposedly from the Capitol One fraud unit, alerting you to suspicious activity on your credit card. While this might sound like a helpful warning, it's actually a cleverly disguised phishing attempt. Here's my experience with it and how you can protect yourself.

The Voice Message

I received a voice message from someone claiming to be from the Capitol One fraud unit. The message was alarming: someone had apparently charged $285 at CVS using my Capitol One card. The urgency in the caller's voice made the message seem legitimate, and their intention was clear?they wanted me to call back immediately to resolve the issue.

The Red Flags

Despite the convincing nature of the message, several red flags stood out:

1. I Don't Have a Capitol One Card: This was the most glaring inconsistency. How could there be a charge on a card I don't even own?

2. Vague Information: The message didn't include specific details like the last four digits of the card number, which is something legitimate fraud alerts usually provide.

3. Call Back Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prompt immediate action without giving you time to think or verify the information.

How the Scam Works

The goal of this scam is to trick you into calling the provided number. Once you call, the scammer will likely ask for personal information to "verify your identity." This can include your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and other sensitive details. With this information, they can commit identity theft, open new accounts in your name, or make unauthorized purchases.

Protecting Yourself

Here are some steps to protect yourself from falling victim to such scams:

2. Check Your Accounts: Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.

3. Be Skeptical of Urgency: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency. Take your time to verify the information before taking any action.

4. Report the Scam: Notify your bank and report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your country's relevant authorities.

Conclusion

Scammers are always coming up with new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. By staying vigilant and knowing how to recognize the signs of a scam, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these tactics. Always verify any suspicious messages with your bank directly and never give out personal information to unverified sources.

To see the actual voice message I received, check out the video below. This is a perfect example of how convincing these scams can be, but remember, staying informed and cautious is your best defense.