The Maine State Attorney General's office is warning residents of a telephone phishing scam.

Consumers are receiving telephone messages, purportedly from Visa, that indicate their credit cards have reached their limits. To avoid paying penalties, they are told to call an 800-number.

When the 800 number is called, consumers hear an automated recording identifying "Visa Credit Limit Support" and are asked to provide the full name, credit card number and the card's security number. After the information is entered, the automated voice informs the caller that all representatives are busy and the estimated wait time is one hour.

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

"This phone call purporting to be from Visa is a scam," said Attorney General Steven Rowe.

Phishing is a tactic used by thieves to seal personal information by deception. Common phishing schemes involved a phone call, mail or e-mail solicitations disguised as official contacts from a financial institution. They may ask you to update your personal information or confirm your account number. Once the thief has your information, they can use it to make unauthorized charges, open lines of credit in your name or empty your bank account.

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