How to Spot Credit Card Scams & Fraud: Step-by-Step

1. Check for Unusual Account Activity
   Review your statements and app alerts monthly—look for any charge, big or small, you don’t recognize.
2. Watch Out for Phishing Scams
   Don’t click on links in suspicious emails or texts. Go straight to your card issuer’s official site or app.
3. Don’t Share Your Card Details
   Never give out your full card number or PIN over the phone or email—unless you initiated the contact.
4. Inspect ATMs and Gas Pumps
   Avoid using machines with loose, damaged, or unusual parts—they could have skimmers.
5. Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi
   Don’t check your card accounts or shop online while on public networks.
6. Set Up Account Alerts
   Enable purchase, login, and fraud alerts through your card’s website or app.
7. Act Fast if You Suspect Fraud
   Call your issuer right away—they’ll help investigate, lock your account, and send a replacement card.

What to Expect When Protecting Yourself

• Fast Response from Issuers: If you report fraud quickly, your card issuer will freeze your card and often refund unauthorized charges.
• No Liability: You won’t be held responsible for fraudulent charges if you act promptly.
• Temporary Inconvenience: Your card may be replaced and automatic payments updated, but your money is protected.
• Increased Awareness: Spotting one scam makes you much less likely to fall for another.
• Confidence and Peace of Mind: Knowing the red flags helps you use your credit card with less worry.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t use obvious passwords or PINs: Choose something hard to guess, and update it regularly.
• Ignore “urgent” messages: Real banks never pressure you to verify info or threaten to close your account immediately.
• Be skeptical of “too good to be true” offers: Prizes, surprise refunds, or free trips are classic bait for scammers.
• Use two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your card accounts if offered.
• Save your issuer’s real phone number: Use it if you ever need to check a suspicious message or call.

A Typical Credit Card Scam Scenario

Credit card scams can happen to anyone. Here’s how Jordan spotted trouble and stayed safe:

Jordan’s story: One afternoon, Jordan received a text that looked like it came from his bank. It said there was suspicious activity on his card and asked him to click a link to “verify” his account. Instead of clicking, Jordan opened his bank’s official app and saw nothing unusual.

Later that week, Jordan noticed a small charge from a store he didn’t recognize on his credit card statement. He called his card issuer, who confirmed it was fraud. The card was canceled, the charge refunded, and a new card sent out.

The result? By staying alert and acting quickly, Jordan protected his account and avoided any real loss—proving that small habits make a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need More Support?

Have questions about credit card safety or think you may have been targeted by a scam? Our nonprofit counselors can help—no judgment, just honest advice and practical next steps.