Credit card scams are becoming more diverse and targeting individuals who are easily tempted, such as those who are offered a free annual fee for their credit card. Many customers fall victim to this scam due to a lack of information and vigilance.
Understanding the Credit Card Fee-Free Scam
Scammers claiming to be Bank BCA Customer Service of Marketing will offer a “free annual fee” for credit cards, which can be a tempting offer for anyone. In a typical scenario, the cardholder will be contacted over the phone by a scammer posing as an officer from BCA. The scammer explains that the credit card holder is entitled to a credit card fee waiver, subject to data verification. This verification involves asking for credit card details, including the card number, expiration date, and CVV code, which should not be shared with anyone.
Asking for OTP Code
Scammers often ask for an OTP (One Time Password) code, which is typically sent by the bank via SMS to the credit card holder’s cell phone as a transaction verification step. They may also send a link to the credit card holder that directs them to a page resembling the official bank website, where they are asked to enter complete credit card data.
Once the victim fills in the data, the scammer gains access to their information and can misuse it for illegal transactions. This scam is effective because the scammers use social engineering to manipulate the victim’s trust and take advantage of their enthusiasm and lack of understanding of the bank’s policies on sharing personal data.
Tips to Avoid This Scam
Remember these important tips to protect yourself from credit card scams:
- Never share your credit card information such as card number, expiration date, CVC/CVV, and OTP with anyone, even if they claim to be bank officers, through any means.
- If you receive a call from an unknown number claiming to be from BCA, verify the call by contacting Halo BCA at 1500888 or via the haloBCA app.
- Avoid opening any unknown links sent via message or email. Always access the official BCA website via www.bca.co.id.
- Enable notifications for every credit card transaction to stay informed about any unrecognized transactions.
As a savvy customer, it’s important to stay alert at all times and not be easily lured by fee-free offers. Remember, safeguarding your data is the first step in protecting yourself from the increasing threat of cybercrime.
As a credit card user, it’s also crucial to educate yourself about various credit card scams, such as:
- Transaction cancellation email scam
- Fraudulent offers to increase credit card limit
- Point redemption scam
- Phone scams to cancel a transaction
If you notice anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to contact Halo BCA. This service is ready to provide information and guidance on all matters related to the security of your credit card.