Credit card scams can come in different forms, but the end goal is often to trick you into sharing your credit card’s details along with your personal information, or to get you to send the scammer money. The scammer can then sell your card info, try to use it before you notice or take the money and disappear.
In general, credit cards are a relatively safe form of payment. Still, you want to be wary of these common credit card scams:
1. Call, email and text scams
Many scams start with a vishing phone call, or a phishing email or text that’s intended to get you to share your credit card or personal details.
For example, a phishing email might warn you that one of your services (such as utilities, water, or internet) is going to be shut off unless you act quickly to update your payment information, but the link you’re provided takes you to a phony website that steals your personal information.
You also might get a “smishing” text claiming to be from your credit card company or a merchant. There could be a warning that your credit card was overcharged or that there was suspicious activity. You might be prompted to respond by text, click a link or call a customer service line before being asked to enter or verify your credit card and personal information.
2. Interest-rate reduction and debt settlement scams
If you’re struggling with credit card debt, you might be tempted by companies’ promises of lowering your interest rate or clearing away your debt for less than you owe. Some companies, such as nonprofit credit counseling agencies, may be able to help you legitimately negotiate with your credit card issuers; but there are also scammers that charge upfront and ongoing fees supposedly to help you reduce your credit card debt without delivering any service in return.
3. Online shopping scams
Some scammers set up fake ecommerce websites to steal shoppers’ credit card details. They might create these websites to look like legitimate stores, complete with trademarks, professional (stolen) images and “https” (the lock symbol) in the URL. If you’re allowed to use your credit card — some sites only accept payment methods that are harder to reverse, such as a wire transfer or cryptocurrency — the website’s creator could steal your card’s info.
4. Credit card skimming
Credit card skimming isn’t really a scam in the sense that you’re not getting tricked into sharing anything, but skimming and shimming devices are sometimes attached on top of (or inside) credit card readers. They can then make copies of your card’s details if they’re swiped and the crooks can sell the info online or use it to create imposter credit cards.
5. Unsecured Wi-Fi
Similarly, scammers monitor a public Wi-Fi network or create and broadcast a Wi-Fi signal they control. They may be able to steal your credit card’s information if you use it while you’re connected to the network, or infect your computer with malware that can steal your information later.
How to avoid credit card scams
A few best practices can go a long way in keeping your credit card and personal information safe:
- Initiate communications. Don’t respond to phone calls, emails, or texts using the number or link provided — even if something sounds urgent. Instead, look up the company’s information and initiate the call or message yourself to ensure the contact was legitimate.
- Monitor your credit card activity. Set up alerts in your credit card account to look for suspicious charges. You can then quickly shut down your credit card before a scammer can use it again.
- Use tap-to-pay or your mobile wallet. These methods can help you avoid credit card shimmers and skimmers. If you don’t have those options, inserting your credit card’s chip is safer than swiping.
- Don’t shop on public Wi-Fi. It’s best to wait until you’re on a trusted network before logging in to your online accounts or buying something online. If you can’t wait, try to use your phone’s mobile service rather than Wi-Fi.
For more information about protecting your accounts and building your credit, see the following articles: