Credit card fraud added up to $246 million last year, rising 12% from the prior year. As scammers come up with new ways to get sensitive credit card information and prey upon consumers, it can be a smart move to acquaint yourself with tactics they commonly use, from phishing scams to credit card reader scams to threats of arrest.
Read on to learn about 10 of the most popular techniques and find out what to do if you do end up getting scammed.
What Are Credit Card Scams?
A credit card scam is when an unauthorized individual uses your credit card to make fraudulent purchases or steal money from the account. While some credit card scams will take your credit card information right out from under you, others use strategies to entice you to hand over your information.
Given what a credit card is and how easy they are to use, it can be easy for a scammer to rack up debt under the cardholder’s name.
Common Scams and How to Avoid Them
Becoming familiar with the top credit card scams can increase your awareness and help you better protect your identity from fraud. Here are some of the most common credit card scams to look out for. (As you’ll see, some can involve debit cards as well.)
1. Overcharge Scams
With an overcharge scam, you’ll receive an email, call, or text stating that a retailer or merchant overcharged your card. The scammer will request your personal information to complete a refund for the overcharge. They will then use this information to gain access to your credit card.
Here’s how these scams can work:
• Usually, the scammer identifies a product or service that you already use, so it may not seem as suspicious when they request this information. But, the fraudster may also use a standard service that many people use, such as Netflix or Spotify, so that it won’t raise red flags.
• While it’s always good to scrutinize your incoming calls, it’s especially important to do so when you receive a call from an unidentified number, though scammers are getting more sophisticated at spoofing phone numbers and making it seem as if they are calling from legitimate businesses.
• If you answer, the caller may tell you that you must take immediate action to get a refund, or that it’s your last chance to do so. The urgency should be an immediate sign something is amiss; that’s a common scam warning sign.
• Also, if you do get a call from, say, Netflix saying your account is suspended, it can be wise to hang up and contact the business directly to see if there’s an issue with your account.
• If you receive a suspicious email, compare the email to past emails from the merchant or retailer. Scammers are often good at disguising a false email address, so look carefully for differences in the sender’s address. They may add “pay” or “support” to make the address look legitimate.
• You may also find subtle or major misspellings and incorrect grammar in the email.
The best way to avoid this potential credit card scam is to either hang up the call or exit the email. Again, if the call says it’s from your credit card issuer, you can call them directly to see if this request was legitimate or a scam. You can find your creditor’s number on the back of your credit card or credit card statement.
2. Interest Rate Scams
One of the most common credit card scams that occurs over the phone is a fraudster calling to tell you that they can reduce your credit card interest rate and potentially save you significant money on interest payments. They will typically state that their company has a relationship with your credit card company; therefore, they can negotiate reduced interest payments.
However, to entice you to act now, they’ll say the offer is only available for a limited time. Then, the scammer will request your credit card information, such as your account number and CVV number on a credit card, for the alleged service.
Legitimate debt relief companies seldomly cold call consumers to get their business. Also, they cannot charge a fee upfront until they reduce your interest rate or settle a portion of your debt. Therefore, this kind of call should set off alarm bells.
If you want to reduce your interest rate, contact your credit company directly. As the cardholder, you have a better chance of reducing your rate than a third-party company with no relationship with the creditor. If you do receive this call, simply ignore it like you would other credit card scams.
3. Gas Station Credit Card Scams
Scammers can use credit card skimmers to lift your credit card information at gas stations. They do so by attaching an external device to the credit card machine at a pump. When you swipe your card, the device can save your information instantly.
So, before you swipe your card, check to see if the credit card reader you’re using at the pump looks the same as all the other ones. If it doesn’t, that can be a tipoff. You also can tug at the reader to see if it easily detaches. Since skimmers are temporary, they’re usually only attached with double-sided tape, making them easy to remove. Don’t insert your card if you can remove the skimmer with little effort. Instead, go to another gas station to get your gas.
Make sure to inform authorities about the skimmers so they can handle it accordingly.
4. Prepaid Credit Card Scams
Prepaid credit cards, also known as prepaid debit cards, allow you to load money onto them and make purchases. When prepaid credit card funds are depleted, you can no longer use them (unlike credit cards, there is no credit card limit for prepaid cards). You can usually purchase prepaid credit cards at retail stores or online.
Scammers use prepaid credit cards in many different ways to take your money. For example, a scammer may call and say you won the lottery. However, to get your winnings, you must pay the taxes. They may tell you that you can do so by loading a prepaid credit card with a certain amount of funds and sending the card number to the caller. After this is done, they promise to send you your winnings — but, in this case, the scammer may take the card money and never be seen again.
If someone is requesting a prepaid credit card, that’s a red flag. It’s best not to proceed with this transaction as it may be a prepaid credit card scam.
5. Hotel Front-Desk Credit Card Scams
This scam takes place in a hotel room, where the scammer will call up stating they are a hotel employee. They will inform you that there is an issue with your credit card, and you must verify your credit card information. Usually, these calls take place early in the morning or late at night so that you will be thrown off guard.
If this happens to you, it’s best to handle the matter in person. You can hang up and then visit the front desk to ensure your credit information isn’t exposed to the wrong person.
6. Arrest Phone Call Scams
The objective of this scam is to convince you to give out your personal credit card information to pay off a debt, fine, penalty, or ticket. While arrest scams may seem unrealistic, the scammer relies on scare tactics to try to get the target to hand over their credit card information. They may target seniors with this scam.
Some points to know:
• Usually, the scammer claims they are from a federal agency like the IRS, FBI, or other government agency that suggests there’s a connection to law enforcement.
• Then, they threaten that if this bill, fee, or ticket goes unpaid, you will be arrested, or other legal action will be taken immediately.
• It’s doubtful that actual law enforcement or federal agencies would request sensitive information during a phone call, especially an abrupt one.
• Another sign that this is a scam is that the call may sound like a robot or like it’s pre-recorded.
• The caller may also have a sense of urgency, claiming authorities are on their way to arrest you.
• Even if you do owe outstanding fees, have a ticket, or were a part of some similar activity recently, authorities or federal agencies wouldn’t request payment information over the phone in this manner.
Don’t share any personal information with the caller. Just like with other scams, the best way to address your concerns is to hang up and call the alleged agency directly to get any information straight from the source.
Charity Scams
When nonprofit organizations ask for donations, it may pull at your heartstrings. But scammers can use this strategy to swipe your credit card information right out from under you.
Scammers who use this strategy usually call you pretending to be a part of a nonprofit or other charitable organization. They will then request donations using everyday anecdotes or narratives designed to influence their targets. It’s also common for scammers to use this tactic when a natural disaster strikes or another current event requires aid.
Although it’s common for nonprofits to solicit donations over the phone, you should still be wary when receiving one of these calls. If you want to donate to the organization, jot down information from the caller, such as their phone number and the name of the charity. Then, you can look up the phone number online to determine if it’s already identified as a scam.
If it isn’t, you can visit the IRS’s Tax Exempt Organization Search and CharityNavigator.org to research the organization to determine its legitimacy.
Overall, it’s wise to avoid donating to unsolicited callers. Instead, consider visiting an organization’s actual website to determine the best way to donate.
8. Hotspot Scams
Whether you’re connecting to a public WiFi hotspot via your phone or on your computer, scammers can try to access your credit card information when you sign on. In fact, they may prompt you to enter your credit card information to access a particular hotspot. Given how credit cards work, this is very risky. This can mean the scammer gets access to your card’s credentials.
So, when attempting to access the internet in public, be wary if you’re asked to enter your credit card information. Instead, if you’re at a restaurant or retail location, ask an employee to share the establishment’s hotspot or wifi information. Check that the connection is secure. This way, you’ll know you’re not exposing yourself to credit card fraud. But remember, it’s always wise to avoid conducting financial business on public WiFi.
9. Skimming Scams
Like gas pump skimmers, scammers can also use skimmers at ATMs to obtain credit card information.
The only way to identify a skimmer is by checking the scanning device. For example, if the card reader easily detaches, it’s likely a card skimmer. In addition, you can spot other things to identify a skimmer, such as graphics that don’t align or colors on the machine that don’t match the reader. Another clue is if the keypad seems cheap or too thick.
Before entering your card into a reader, investigate for a skimmer. Familiar places skimmers hide are usually in high-traffic areas (a mall or a sports stadium, say) or tourist locations. Don’t use your credit card if you’re unsure whether a skimmer is present or have a feeling something may be off, potentially indicating a credit card reader scam.
10. Phishing Scams
Like the name suggests, a phishing scam involves fraudsters phishing for your personal information. Scammers contact their targets through the phone or over email, posing as an honest company. They then provide fraudulent links or instructions to help them access your personal credit card information.
For example:
• The scammer may impersonate your credit card company (simply saying they are “calling from your bank and there’s a problem”) and state that your account details must be updated due to a compromised card.
• They will request your card information (your credit card number, expiration date, and CVV code) over the phone or email to resolve this issue.
• The scammer may request the answers to your security questions for protection purposes.
Don’t provide any of this information. Even if they suggest this is a sensitive matter and must be addressed immediately, it’s best to hang up, and call your credit card company right away.
Recommended: Common Reasons Why Credit Cards Get Declined
How to Protect Yourself From Credit Card Scams
To keep your credit card information safe, here are some steps you can take:
• Select a credit card with 0% liability on unauthorized purchases. The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) limits your financial responsibility for credit card fraud to up to $50. In other words, you will only have to pay $50 if you’re a victim of one of these credit card scams and request a credit card chargeback. However, some credit card companies offer 0% liability as a perk, which means you aren’t responsible for any fraud.
• Keep tabs on your credit card activity. Regularly looking at your credit card activity and checking your credit card balance can help you spot any suspicious activity. If you do notice anything, contact your credit card company right away.
• Request transaction alerts. Usually, credit card companies let you sign up for transaction alerts, such as for balance transfers, large purchases, and international purchases. Using alerts is a great way to monitor your card activity.
• Ensure your information is secure. When making purchases online, over the phone, or in person, ensure your information is secure. For example, only use sites with “https” in the URL when shopping online. Also, avoid using public WiFi where your personal information may be in jeopardy.
What To Do If You’re a Victim of Credit Card Scam: Reporting Credit Card Scams
If you’re a victim of a credit card scam, follow these steps:
• First contact your credit card company to let them know about the fraud. Per the Fair Credit Billing Act, you have 60 days after receiving your billing statement to report any fraudulent activity on your card.
• After informing your creditor of the incident, make sure to change your password for your account.
• You may also want to contact the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Request verification of your identity, and ask for a fraud alert to get linked to your report.
• Additionally, if you’re a credit card scam victim, you can contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the crime. You can report your incident online or over the phone at 1-877-382-4357 (FTC-HELP).
• If you’ve discovered a fraudulent website, email or another internet scam, report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
• Unfortunately, not all scams originate in the US; if you believe you’re a victim of an international scam, report it through econsumer.gov.
All reports help consumer protection agencies pinpoint trends and prevent other consumers from falling victim to credit card scams.
The Takeaway
Unfortunately, it can be easy to become a victim of credit card scams. But, if you monitor your account, set fraud alerts, and keep your information confidential, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding getting duped. Pay attention to what kinds of protection your credit card issuer may offer, too.
Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.
FAQ
Who is liable for a credit card scam?
Under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), you’re only liable for up to $50 of credit card fraud reported within 60 days. However, if your credit card has 0% fraud liability protection, you may not be liable for any fraudulent charges.
What counts as credit card fraud?
When an unauthorized person makes a charge with your credit card or steals your credit card information, this is considered credit card fraud.
How do I report credit card fraud?
Contact your credit card issuer ASAP. Then go to the Federal Trade Commission’s website to report the incident. Law enforcement agencies will then use these reports to investigate criminal activity to prevent future fraud. Once you submit a report, you can follow up with local law enforcement, if your creditors suggest it’s wise to do so.
About the author
Ashley Kilroy
Ashley Kilroy is a seasoned personal finance writer with 15 years of experience simplifying complex concepts for individuals seeking financial security. Her expertise has shined through in well-known publications like Rolling Stone, Forbes, SmartAsset, and Money Talks News. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/fizkes
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