EXCLUSIVE: Former BPO Worker Speaks with News 5 on Credit Card Scam

Some local businesses have lost thousands to a growing credit card scam linked to the country’s BPO sector. Tonight, News Five is exposing how it works from the inside.

News 5 has obtained an exclusive interview with a former employee who was involved in stealing payment information before being fired.

The former employee said agents exploit weak enforcement of the PCI security rules, or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, and use simple tactics to copy card numbers during live calls.

He explained the information is quickly transferred to personal phones and can be stolen in minutes, sometimes while providing routine customer service.

News 5’s investigation over the past week has revealed that the stolen card details are widely shared, used to purchase food, and sold on the streets, with some transactions even linked to gang activity.

On Monday, Prime Minister John Briceño said the government is committed to protecting the call centre industry, which employs more than 20,000 people and generates around $150 million annually, while also taking measures to safeguard local businesses impacted by the fraud.

Tune in to News 5 Live tonight at 6:00 PM for the full story.