The Maine Attorney General's Office issued a warning today about a scam circulating in southern and central Maine.

Consumers are reporting that they are receiving phone messages, purportedly from Visa, that indicate the consumer has reached the limit on their credit card and they must call an 800-number to avoid paying an overcharge penalty, according to information released by the AG.

When the consumer calls the 800-number they get an automated recording identifying "Visa Credit Limit Support". They are then asked to provide their full name, credit card number and the card's security number. Once that information is entered, the automated voice states that all representatives are busy assisting other customers and that the estimated wait time is one hour.

Visa does not contact card holders directly. Instead, correspondence with Visa card holders is initiated by the issuing bank.

"This phone call purporting to be from Visa is a scam. The most effective way to fight identity theft is to avoid becoming a victim," Attorney General Steven Rowe said in a statement. "The best policy is to never give out your personal identifying information over the phone, through the mail or online unless you initiate the contact."