How to Avoid Credit Card Scams

Credit card scams are getting smarter every year — fake texts, cloned websites, phishing emails, and even card skimmers hidden in plain sight. The good news? With a few smart habits, you can protect yourself from almost every type of credit card fraud. Here’s how to keep your information (and your money) safe in 2025.

1. Know the Common Types of Credit Card Scams

• Phishing emails or texts: Scammers pretend to be your bank or card issuer, asking you to “verify” your account.
• Fake websites and checkout pages: Copycat pages mimic real retailers to steal card details.
• Skimming devices: Hidden readers on ATMs or gas pumps capture your card data when you swipe.
• Phone impersonation scams: Fraudsters call pretending to be customer support or fraud departments.
• Online marketplace scams: “Sellers” who request card info directly or trick you into paying off-platform.

2. Never Share Card Details Over Email or Text

No legitimate company will ask for your full card number, CVV, or PIN through email, text, or social media. If you receive a message claiming to be your bank, do not click any links — go directly to your card issuer’s official website or app instead.

3. Check for HTTPS and Secure Payment Icons

Before entering your credit card info online, check the browser bar for “https://” and a padlock icon. These indicate a secure, encrypted connection. Avoid sites that look unprofessional or use strange domains (for example, “amaz0n-payments.net”).

4. Use Virtual Card Numbers or Mobile Wallets

Many issuers now offer virtual card numbers — temporary numbers tied to your main account. Even if they’re stolen, the damage is limited. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay also use tokenization, meaning your real card number is never shared with the merchant.

5. Monitor Your Account Frequently

Most fraud is caught early by the cardholder — not the bank. Log into your card app weekly (or daily if possible) and review transactions. Set up instant purchase alerts so you’re notified of any new charge in real time.

6. Use ATMs and Terminals You Trust

Stick to ATMs located inside bank branches whenever possible. External ATMs or gas pumps are more likely to have hidden skimming devices. Before inserting your card, gently tug on the reader — if it’s loose or misaligned, don’t use it.

7. Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Offers

If a website promises 90% off, instant refunds, or guaranteed approval credit cards with no checks, it’s probably a scam. Scammers rely on urgency and emotion — slow down and verify before you click anything.

8. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Most banks and card apps allow you to enable 2FA for logins or large purchases. Even if someone steals your password, they can’t access your account without the secondary code sent to your phone or authenticator app.

9. Report Suspicious Activity Immediately

If you notice an unfamiliar charge, contact your card issuer right away. Under U.S. federal law, your liability for unauthorized credit card transactions is limited to $50 — and most banks waive it entirely if you report the fraud promptly.

10. Stay Educated — Scams Evolve Fast

New scams appear every year, from AI-generated customer support calls to fake “refund” links. Follow your bank’s fraud alerts, subscribe to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) consumer protection site, and share safety tips with friends and family.

Final Thoughts

Scammers are getting creative, but your best defense is still awareness. Keep your guard up, use official apps, and never share sensitive information over unverified channels. The same vigilance that protects your credit also builds lifelong financial confidence.

Continue reading: The Secret Trick Credit Card Companies Don’t Want You to Know · How to Use a Credit Card Without Getting Into Debt