ALL credit card owners have been warned over the rise of credit card frauds and scams. With 52 million Americans reported to have experienced credit card fraud in the last year, it’s no wonder that scammers are lurking around every corner waiting to pounce on the unwary.
Trevor Cooke, a privacy expert from EarthWeb, has shed light on the most common credit card scams and, more importantly, how to send them packing. “Credit cards are amazing tools,” says Trevor, “But they can also be a target for fraudsters.
The good news is, by being aware of these scams and taking a few simple steps, you can keep your money safe.” He issued a warning over phishing and said: “Never click on links in suspicious emails.” He said: “Instead, log in to your bank’s website directly (by typing the address yourself) and check your account activity there.”
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Trevor says: “Give the card reader a good wiggle before you swipe. If anything feels loose or out of place, report it to the attendant or use a different machine. Consider using contactless payments whenever possible.”
“Enable transaction alerts on your phone so you get notified of every single purchase. Only shop on secure websites (look for the padlock symbol in the address bar).” Trevor advised. He said: “Consider using a virtual credit card number for online transactions.”
“Never give your credit card information to someone who calls you out of the blue.” Trevor went on. He said: “Hang up and contact your tech support directly if you’re concerned about malware.” He added: “Don’t engage with these calls or emails.
“Contact the company directly (using a phone number you know is correct) to verify any charges.” He continued: “Monitor your credit card statements regularly for any suspicious activity. Be wary of unsolicited offers for increased credit limits. Use strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts.
“Knowledge is power! By being aware of these scams and taking some proactive steps, you can keep your credit card safe and sound.”
