Everything You Should Know About Credit Card Scam! >> The write-up shares the comprehensive guide on credit card scams to keep users protected and safe.
Payment card or credit card scammers are getting sophisticated these days as the chipped cards drive the scammers to card-not-present and account takeover schemes. As a result, scammers Worldwide are coming forth with new ways to scam the users and put new twists on the old scams.
Credit cards make online and offline purchasing convenient, both for businesses and consumers. But, unfortunately, it also opens avenues for scammers to scam the users.
Being on the sentry for the scams protects the card information and prevents unauthorized charges and frauds on your credit card account. Here is the guide on Everything You Should Know About Credit Card Scam. GreenDayOnline.com can assist you in paying off your existing credit card debt.
The Scams and Tips to Avoid Them
Interest Reduction Scam
Interest rate reduction fraud is the scam that takes the privilege of frustrated users who want to reduce card rates and pay the remaining balance quickly.
Users receive pre-recorded calls from scammers saying that they are qualified for a scheme to reduce the interest rate and pay off the balance quickly. The call seems to be from the legit issuer, but it is from an untrustworthy and unrelated third-party scammer. The scammer charges the users without helping them reduce the interest rates.
- You can add your number to the DND registry to reduce the chances of receiving such calls from scammers.
- If you receive such calls to reduce the interest rate, hang up the call.
- Never share your personal, PIN or security number and card details to anyone over the phone.
Free Wi-Fi
In a bid to download data on your device or avoid paying the rental for Wi-Fi, users connect to open public Wi-Fi. But it is not the safe choice, especially when performing any credit card transaction.
The scammer sets up a Wi-Fi hotspot that needs no password. As you connect to the Wi-Fi, the scammers gain access to your information virtually. In addition, if you perform credit card transactions over the network, they may access those details virtually and misuse them later.
- You must be aware of the free Wi-Fi connectivity, especially in public places.
- You must carefully use your personal details when using a free public Wi-Fi network.
Credit Card Skimming
We are always sure when we swipe our credit card at POS for fund transfer. But, there is a risk involved when you swipe your card for payment of goods and services. The details may be stolen.
With skimming, the scammers capture the vital details of the card during a legitimate transaction. Then, they place the skimming device over the card processing terminal and extract your card details.
As the details are skimmed, the scammers use it to create fake cards and scams on your account. So, here is Everything You Should Know About Credit Card Scam when skimmed.
- Inspect the card readers at POS and card processing terminals.
- Cover your hand while entering the PIN.
- EMV chip cards are secured and can be prevented from skimming. So, update your regular card to an EMV card.
- Monitor your account regularly and closely.
Fraud on Your Account
Credit card companies are loyal to their customers, and hence they offer protection services to safeguard the card users and alert them for any fraudulent charges. The scheme may seem to be a smart option, but scammers also use such schemes to commit scams.
Scammers call the users, tell them about suspicious activity on their account, and verify details. In the process, they extract all vital details from the users. As they get the details from the customers, they do scams.
- If you receive such calls asking for your account details, you may hang up the call and never share any personal details.
- Never share your card details with anyone over the phone.
- Monitor your account and card account closely from the official website of the issuer.
- Report the unauthorized charges to the issuers immediately.
How to Report a Credit Card Fraud?
If you suspect a Credit Card Fraud, you must know the rights and the route to report. A majority of credit card issuers offer zero fraud liability for unauthorized charges. But, users still have to learn how to end the unauthorized card charges before reaping the benefits of available protection.
- Contact your card issuers and report the unauthorized charges on your account.
- Change your PIN and security number immediately.
- Update your online accounts and digital wallets.
- Set up a mobile alert to know about the fraud immediately via SMS.
If you are confirmed that your credit card is charged wrongly or you are the victim of card fraud, it is your right to report the scam to law enforcement. Credit card users must report the fraud or scam to Federal Trade Commission’s website. The website shares comprehensive details about filing identity theft and credit card scam. The details are verified and used by the agency to investigate it.
Credit card users can follow up the case with the local law enforcement agency as suggested by the issuer. Of course, not all scams demand police involvement, but it would boost the investigation of credit card scams if you follow the route. It may even aid you in recovering the stolen money into your credit card account.
But before you report the scam to the local law enforcement, you must inform the faulty charges to the card issuer and support your application with an acknowledgement when filing a case at law enforcement. It will make your case strong enough.
Conclusion
Credit Card Fraud is a common thing Worldwide, and many people fall prey to such scams. However, it would become challenging for the scammers to commit a scam on your credit card account if you are equipped with the right knowledge.
So, here is Everything You Should Know About Credit Card Scam and avoid those scams efficiently.
Have you ever fall prey to a credit card scam? What steps have you taken to report the scam? Then, please share it in the comments section. Moreover, if you want to know more about credit card scams and how to get a refund nation-wise, please click here to learn more.