Scam artists have come up with yet another idea, and this one is aimed at snagging those three security numbers on the back of your credit card.

Those three digits are often the numbers required to make an online purchase and confirm you have the card in hand, police said.

When the scammer calls, that's what he is after.

He will typically identify himself as a security or fraud agent with a credit card company, calling to notify you of some "flagged" or unusual activity on the account.

He will then follow up with questions about a specific purchase.

When you tell the "fraud agent" the "flagged purchase" wasn't yours, the scammer often says he will credit the account, asks you to confirm your address and tells you he will be starting a fraud investigation.

But police say what he's really starting is gaining your confidence.

Police said he may even instruct you to call the 800 number listed on the back of your card and direct questions to security. He may even give you a reference number for the phone call.

But first, police said he will ask to verify that you are in possession of the credit card and have you turn your card over and look for some numbers.

Those are the three security PIN numbers the scammers are looking for, police said.

Often times, these scam artists have already gotten the credit card number from the trash or spyware but do not have the PIN numbers they need, officials said.

The caller will ask you to read the three numbers to him, and after you do, he will tell you they are correct.

Detective Kirk Owen said the problem is that there is always a possibility that your credit card company will call you because of some unusual activity.

"But they are not going to ask you for that PIN number," he said. "They have all of that information."

He said credit card companies know what's on the card.

He suggests not giving out any information over the phone unless you are the one placing the call.

"Hang up and call the 800 number of the back of your credit card," he said. "If your card has been flagged because of some unusual activity, they will know."

By KAREN DAILY