As a follow-up to last week’s article on phantom credit card charges, here’s a new way scammers are stealing your money.
Instead of placing tiny test charges, criminals are posting real amounts on credit card statements. The charges can look like purchases from small shops, online services, or subscription companies you might not remember using.
What makes this scam more dangerous is that the transaction often includes a customer service phone number that looks completely legitimate.
I’ve included an image below of a valid credit card charge we made at Steve’s Hallmark store showing their 510 area code phone number:
Now, here is how the scammer leverages a legitimate phone number and charge.
A charge appears on your credit card for twenty or thirty dollars, sometimes more. Next to the charge is a phone number that seems to belong to the merchant.
Most people assume this is the safest path to a quick refund, so they call the number. This is exactly what the scammers want.
When you call, the scammer acts helpful and apologetic. They promise to reverse the charge and then guide you through a fake refund process.
Instead of issuing a refund through your credit card, they ask for bank account information so they can “deposit the refund directly.” Once they have that information, they drain your account. Some victims report that their money was pulled out within minutes of ending the call.
The best protection is simple: never call the number listed next to an unfamiliar charge. Instead, contact your bank or credit card company directly using the number printed on your card. They can verify whether the charge is legitimate and handle the dispute safely. Never provide banking information to a merchant over the phone, even if the person sounds professional.
This scam works because it uses real charges and real phone numbers, which look trustworthy at first glance. A few extra minutes of caution can keep your financial accounts safe.