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I just received a call from someone saying they were from "Visa/MasterCard", asking for me personally (although butchering the pronunciation of my last name). This man claimed he had noticed a suspicious purchase of $1550.00 on my card, made online to China, only 5 minutes before he called. Of course I said I didn't make any such purchase so he said he red-flagged my card and would cancel it, then send another within 24 hours.  
 
I knew as soon as this guy said he noticed the purchase only 5 minutes earlier, that he was trying to scam me. He then tried to get me to give him my card limit, how much is on the card, card number etc. to "verify" his data so he could send out the new card and cancel the fraudulent charge. I told him I don't ever give out any of that info over the phone, plus he should already know the card number if he is really from the credit card company.  
 
Then he hung up on me. For people who know about these scams, it's not hard to figure them out. But to someone trusting or perhaps quite elderly, this guy could actually sound quite convincing. So, I just thought I'd give a quick warning that this guy is calling our area. During the holiday season, there's even more jerks around trying to steal innocent people's money!  
 

Good thing you caught this before you gave up any information.  
 
Real calls from your credit card provider will identify the company they are calling from (not generic VISA or MasterCard) and will not ask you for your card number. They will also list back to you recent purchases on your card which only they will know.  
 
I have unfortunately had the real calls and this is how they work.

keep them on the phone for a while and play with them . will tell them to hang on while I go get my credit card ,then give them a phony card number and eventually give them the 3 magic words GFYourself. they never call back .!

I as well was called from my bank stating they noticed irregular purchases. She wanted my credit card number etc. I told her since she was calling me she should have all that info on her computer. She didn't argue with me and continued on with purchase and amounts was being used ...Long story short it was a legit call and thanks to their diligence on the banks part the fraud was caught before I received my statement. Credit card was closed and a new one issued. Always ask questions and never ever give personal info over the phone!