Just a heads up for everyone about the newest scam.

The scam works like this:

Person calling says, 'This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at (CARD).
My Badge number is 12324, your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify.
This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank).
Did you purchase an Anti-Thermo Device for $497.99 from a marketing company based in Texas?
When you say 'No', the caller continues with, 'Then we will be issuing a credit to your account before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?'

You say 'yes'.

The caller continues - 'I will be starting a Fraud Investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card and ask for Security.
You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. 'Do you need me to read it again?'

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works:

The caller then says, 'I need to verify you are in possession of your card'. He'll ask you to 'turn your card over and look for some numbers'. There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the last 3 are the Security Numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card.
The caller will ask you to read the last 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, 'That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card.
Do you have any other questions?' After you say no, the caller then thanks you and states, 'Don't hesitate to call back if you do', and hangs up. You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the card number.

But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back. Within 20 minutes to ask a question.
Are we were glad we did! The REAL (CARD) Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15
minutes a new purchase of $396.99 was charged to our card.

We made a real fraud report and closed the (CARD) account. (CARD) is reissuing us a new number.
What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them.
Instead, tell them you'll call (CARD) directly for verification of their conversation.

The real (CARD) told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.

Here is a link on www.snopes.com - http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/creditcard.asp

CRA issued scam alert for letters send on behalf of CRA requesting personal information update. Please see link below:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/nwsrm/lrts/2008/l080818-eng.html
It includes details on scam and a PDF copy of the letter sent. As well I would like to add couple methods that may help to prevent scam problems. Maintain your personal information with CRA updated. If you are moving make sure you informed CRA. You can do it in three ways

1. Fill up the form and send it to the fax number provided on the CRA website
2. You can use Epass services
3. Send your updated information with Income Tax Report

I personally prefer Epass for very simple reason - there is no one between you and the website. Just make sure browser’s address bar is showing https (means all information passed between your computer and website is encrypted) and as well make sure log out when you are done.
Back to CRA methods
The other thing is that CRA will not ask you for personal info update trough the letter. They will do it with Notice of Assessment. It’s a good rule if you are not certain about letter origin simply go to CRA website take publically available phone number and call them for clarifications.

How do you deal with scam mail?