We recently received word of the latest way people are being scammed, causing fraudulent use of their credit cards and identity theft.

As I will walk through the methods in which people are being scammed, it is important to remember that no matter how convincing the person is that contacts you, never give out personal information or pieces of information off your credit card or checking and savings accounts if you did not initiate the phone call or contact.

If someone has contacted you, they are either legitimate and have your information, or they are thieves and have some information and want you to give them the rest.

In one of the latest and very convincing scams being worked, the caller has a great deal of information about you. They know your name, address, and even your credit card number, but what they want is your security code off the back of your credit card. The call typically will go like this:

The person calling says "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at Visa. My badge number is 12460, 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-telemarketing device for  $497.99 from a marketing company based in Arizona?"

When you say "No," the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. 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 (1-800-VISA) and ask for security. You will need to refer to this control number." The caller then gives you a six-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 seven numbers. The first four are part of your card number, the last three 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 three numbers to him. After you tell the caller the three 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. The caller already has your card number, but needed the three-digit security code to make online purchases with your card number. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or MasterCard directly for verification of their conversation.

Please guard your personal information in today's world. Be safe.

Philip Hartsfield is assistant chief of the Hays Police Department.