According to the Federal Trade Commission, 2.8 Million Fraud Reports from Consumers in 2021 which was more than 70 percent over 2020. The Value was more than $2.3 billion of losses reported.

The number is huge, we cannot take it easy when we use Credit cards. There are millions of users who use a credit card so it is very easy to target cyberattackers. You never know when the scam will start. Credit card scams are a major problem and millions of people fall victim every year. So let’s know how Credit Card scamming works and How to protect your credit card from scamming.

What is credit card scamming and why is it important

Credit cards are become the most common and very common in the world. Because the motive of a stealer to get money by cyberhacking. A scammer will use your credit card information to make unauthorized purchases or withdraw cash from your account.

Credit card is a type of identity theft or cyber fraud. It involves stealing credit card details and using someone’s credit card to steal money such as shopping, online orders, or anything else. There are many methods used by scammers to get credit card information such as carding, stealing through Android apps, and buying data from the Dark web.

Prevalence and impact of credit card scams

This is the screenshot of the BBC.COM news. The prevalence of credit card scamming increasing every year.

Here are some more data from other sources:

1. The U.S. Dominates Credit Card Fraud:

• The United States holds the dubious distinction of being the most credit fraud-prone country globally. In 2018, it accounted for 38.6% of all reported card fraud losses, totaling a staggering $9.47 billion

2. Future Predictions:

• According to Dataprot.net, By 2030 the total loss from credit card fraud is estimated to reach $49.32 billion.

Types of Credit Card Scams

1. Online identity theft

It is a type of cybercrime to steal someone’s personal data by the attackers. It is a type of identity theft that involves getting personal information such as credit cards, phone numbers, and banking credentials. Online thieves can use various methods to obtain information such as email phishing, hacking, fake applications, and installing malware.

To prevent online identity theft, you should use secure connections, devices, and websites, and monitor your accounts and credit reports.

The other step to secure is to use an Antivirus program in your services. Antivirus is designed to protect against online theft and the privacy of users.

2. Phishing scams of Credit Card

Phishing is a type of cybercrime in which cyber hacker uses emails. It involves sending fake emails, text messages, or website pop-up notifications to fool people and get credit card information.

Usually, Online scammers trick people into giving up their personal or financial information. There are many ways to trick people such as by providing cheap products like the iPhone. Also, they send emails like ” You won 1 million USD in the lucky draw”

Phishing can lead to identity theft, fraud, or malware infection.

3. Skimming devices

These are devices used as illegal gadgets. The main function of skimming devices is to steal credit card and debit card information. Skimming devices are attached with a Card reader which is used to read the credit cards at the time of shopping.

They can be installed on ATMs, gas pumps, or other payment terminals. Skimming devices can capture the card number, expiration date, and PIN from the magnetic stripe of the card. 

4. Card-not-present fraud

Card-not-present fraud happens when someone makes a fraudulent transaction without showing their credit card to the merchant.

This can occur online, over the phone, or through mail-order, where the person only shares their credit card numbers without actually having the card with them.

How It Works:

• A criminal obtains essential card details without having the physical card:
  • Cardholder’s name
  • Billing address
  • Account number
  • Three-digit CVV security code
  • Card expiration date

5. Fake websites and emails

Mostly Cyberhackers use websites like Pornography and Free movies and TV series to steal information about credit cards. Someone when accessing these kinds of websites, the website redirects to the other website.

Also, offer to install applications if you are using an Android phone or software if you are Windows 11. These applications are actually malware.

How Credit Card Scamming Works

Step-by-step breakdown of a typical credit card scam process

When Cyberhackers steal your credit card and then use it to steal money, it is called a Credit Card Scam. But the question is How do scammers get your card information and How does Credit Card Scamming Work?

Step 1

Skimming: It is a device that attacks the Credit card reader device which is used to copy data from your card.

Step 2.

Hacking: Most of the time hacking is done on the devices that are used by a person. Malware and viruses are installed on your device and then cyberattackers steal your banking credentials.

Step 3

Phishing: This is done by spreading fake emails to the users. In recent times, free crypto giveaway emails sent by cyberattackers. Millions of emails hacked and are available on the Dark web. Scammers buy the list of emails from the dark web and send fake emails to millions of users.

Insight into the tactics and techniques used by scammers

1. Spoofing

It is a technique used by hackers to masquerade as a trusted entity. Spoofing involves disguising communication from unknown people. The sources used in spoofing are phone calls, emails, and websites.

2. Email Spoofing

Emails used by the hackers to trick people. The email looks like a genuine sender but the main motive is to steal your personal data. Usually, Victims trust these emails without inspecting them. Spoofed emails may request money transfers or permission to access systems and can even contain malware attachments.

Mostly spoof emails are from crypto senders like ” Clain your free BTC”, ” Get free ETH” or ” Verify your trust waller”.

3. Phone Call Spoofing

There are many ways to hide caller details when hackers use phone call spoofing. Usually, they use internet call or WhatsApp call to trick people. Fraudsters manipulate caller ID information to appear as legitimate callers (e.g., banks or government agencies)

4. Fake applications

When users surf pornography websites, many ads appear on the screen. Sometimes it offers to install the application on your device. These applications are malware that is designed to steal your credit card information, so be aware when you download applications from third-party websites.

Signs of Credit Card Scams

Unrecognized transactions on credit card statements

The first sign of a credit card is Unrecognized transactions on credit card statements. To check credit card scams turn on the SMS Alert on your device. At least when an unauthorized transaction happens in your bank account, you can immediately take action against it.

Suspicious online purchase experiences

Most of cases, Suspicious online purchase experiences by the person. This is another sign of credit card fraud. If it happens, take immediate action against it.

Payments from other locations

When checking your statement, if payment is made in a strange location then it is a sign of Credit card fraud. According to the FTC, it is very common in the case of credit fraud.

Precautionary Measures to Prevent Credit Card Scams

1. Keeping personal information secure

The Main step to take when you want to protect your credit card is to keep your personal data safe such as phone numbers, names, debit cards, and credit cards. You can use Password Manager like Nordpass which is free to use and keep safe personal data.

2. Regularly monitoring credit card statements and accounts

Turn on the Weekly statement and Get a statement alert when you transaction through a Credit card. If some suspicious transaction is in your statement, then you can take action against it.

3. Being cautious while making online transactions

When you Swipe your card, make sure the Credit Card reader is secure. Because skimming devices may be attacked with it to steal your credit card information.

You can also use the NFC payment method to use swipe-less payment at POS.

4. Using secure payment gateways and websites

HTTPS is the internet protection that ensures a Website’s security. Ensure the HTTPS icon must appear before the URL. It is very important to secure your online data.

5. Turn OFF Online transactions when you are not using a Credit card

I personally use this feature, my credit card transaction is enabled only when I am using it for online transactions or offline transactions.

What to Do if You Become a Victim

1. Contacting the credit card issuer or bank immediately

If any unauthorized transaction happens to you, immediately contact your Credit card issuer. Credit card issuers will be investigating and provide you with a big relief when fraud happens to you.

2. Freezing or canceling affected credit card accounts

If fraud happens with you freeze or cancel your credit account. The benefit of canceling an account, it will save your credit score.

3. Monitoring credit reports for any unauthorized activity

Many times users are busy in their routine lives, they cannot check SMS alerts so the best way to check credit card fraud is to Monitor credit reports for any unauthorized activity.

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