Top 5 Credit Card Scams

The Most Common Credit Card Scams and How to Prevent Them

No matter how familiar you are with those text messages from random numbers claiming to be certain banks or perhaps delivery companies, credit card fraud goes further than that. Even the most confident people can become victims in a moment of inattention. In this article, we'll expose a bunch of  scam and we will also tell you how to successfully delete all your personal data from the Internet after credit card hijacking, so criminals don't sell it to third parties. Let's start.

Here are the most common types of credit card fraud and how to ensure you're safe:

credit card transaction

1. Overcharge Scams

Overcharge scams are a classic type of credit card fraud. You will get a text message or an email claiming that your card has been overcharged. Sometimes, they may even call you. To get a refund, you must provide sensitive information. Even your full name and address can be used in a scam.

It pays off to be skeptical about cold calls. The issue is evident if you get called from a bank or about a product you have never used. If you get an email, double-check the address. If you are not 100% sure of something, simply get in touch with the official company and double-check.

Spelling and grammar errors are also considered red flags.

2. Interest Rate Reduction Scams

Companies claiming they can save you thousands on interest will either call, text, or email you. They often claim to be third-party companies affiliated with big banks or regulated. Typically, they also claim to have connections with credit card issuers to negotiate better deals.

They may say the offer has a limited time, only to force you to act quickly. Take these offers with skepticism because while there might be some services around, they are less likely to give you offers by cold calls. They are usually not legally allowed to charge fees upfront either. You can read more about phone call scams by clicking here.

3. Arrest Phone Call Scams

This scam is more and more popular lately. They tend to target elders because they are not too connected. For example, if you get a call about your son being arrested but have just dropped him at school, you know it is a scam.

But if your daughter lives in another country and you get a call regarding an arrest, you tend to believe it. Scammers pretend to be law enforcement officials or lawyers and will require money to release your relative.

No matter how official it seems, such things are not real because law enforcement and federal agencies will never get in touch with people like this.

4. Donation Scams

Donation scams are classic and effective. They usually occur over the phone. There are numerous strategies, most of which will work on your emotions. Give out your credit card details, and you will never see your money again.

Charities may often ask for donations with cold calls. If you want to help, hang up and go to the official website. You will most likely be able to donate there without risking your money. Even if the caller is authentic, they will understand.

If they try anything to get your details, such as claiming the online donation system is out of order, you are definitely talking to a scammer. Hang up and block the number.

5. Skimming

Skimming implies stealing your credit card information and cloning it. Scammers often install dodgy devices known as skimmers on ATMs. They look authentic and will sometimes draw little attention. For example, a tiny camera on top of the keypad can record the PIN number.

The keypad may also be fake.

To avoid it, inspect the ATM before withdrawing money. Unaligned graphics, colors that fail to match the rest, more significant components, or loose parts are red flags. The same goes if the keypad feels too cheap or thick.

As an extra protection measure, ensure you also cover the PIN code when you type it in. Use your other hand to keep it safe.

This scam is popular in both developed and developing countries. Most people need to realize something is wrong because scammers withdraw small amounts of money from many people to gain a fortune. This way, victims cannot see a problem, and the flawed ATM is not reported.

Be also aware of the Credit Repair Scam.

IMPORTANT: Here Is The Best Way To Protect Yourself

For the end of the article we left a very powerful and important advice. After the increased amount of online fraud happening since the pandemic started, we've been asked many times what the most effective ways to stay safe online are. After experiencing and testing many fraud prevention platforms online, we we would recommend you to get Surfshark. Here is why:

  1. They have an award-winning VPN service, protecting your privacy, securing your identity, and preventing third parties from tracking your device. They have a super aggressive antivirus program. It offers you effective protection from viruses and zero-day threats, a lightweight, clean, and easy-to-use app, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Killer feature: They will notify you when your personal info is leaked online.
  3. They help you hide your online searches, which will get you purely organic search results, free from ads and tracking. You know when you search, for example, for a flight and the next time you look at the same search the prices are higher? With Surfshark, this is not happening.

Awesome, right? You can get the deal HERE.

How To Remove Your Personal Information From The Internet

However, if it's a bit too late and your personal information is leaked online, we have good news. If you wonder how to remove your private data from the Internet, you should get a service like Incogni, see below. It is a trustworthy powerful privacy tool that requests your data removal from almost a hundred brokers on your behalf. The service is verified by our staff and is legitimate. For only $5.79US/month, it's totally worth it. Click below to remove your personal data from the Internet:

button remove data online

The bottom line is that while the list is longer than that, these are the most common scams out there. Keep in mind that fraudsters evolve and develop new techniques with every new day. To ensure you are safe, be cautious when using your card. Never give out details online or by phone and if you are convinced about something in particular, choose to pay yourself rather than give your details out.

Whether you want to make a donation or get a refund, get in touch with the organization and institution yourself rather than provide details to a stranger.​

How To Report a Credit Card Scammer

Let your family and friends know about these common credit card scams article on social media. Officially, you can report scammers and any other suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) using the portal below:

Report To The FTC Here

How To Protect Yourself More

If you want to be the first to find out the most notorious scams on a regular basis, please subscribe to the Scam Detector newsletter here. You'll receive periodic emails – we promise no spam.

Meanwhile, educate yourself with some other credit card fraud-related articles right under this paragraph. Last but not least, feel free to use the comments section below to expose other scammers.

Credit Card Scams: FULL LIST

Credit Card Switch Scam


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selma hrynchuk
Selma HrynchukSelma is a fraud prevention specialist renowned for her expertise in private eye investigations and a remarkable partnership with law enforcement agencies. Beyond her investigative triumphs, her public speaking engagements and written works have empowered countless individuals to protect themselves and stay ahead of deceptive schemes. Selma's legacy shines as a tenacious agent of change, unyielding in her commitment to battling fraud and ensuring a safer world for all.

1 thought on “Top 5 Credit Card Scams”

  1. Grisma Budha Magar Budha Magar

    Why did you take my money without reason? I am very sad. My money has been deducted from ADCB bank account in Dubai on Saturday 14th October 2023, 6:01am Dubai time for USD :-74.95. Why did I take the money of such a poor man? If it is possible to return the money, please return it to ADCB Bank in Dubai, I did not say that I will take any of your goods and I have not taken them, thank you sir.

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