3. Be Wary of Phishing Emails, Texts, and Calls
Phishing is one of the most common scams used to steal credit card information. Scammers pretend to be your bank, credit card company, or a familiar business — all to trick you into giving away personal data.
How phishing works
You may receive:
- An email claiming there’s suspicious activity on your account.
- A text saying your card will be suspended unless you verify information.
- A call pretending to be from your bank’s “fraud department.”
The goal: to make you panic and act fast — clicking a fake link or giving away your card number.
How to protect yourself
- Never share your card number, CVV, or OTP over text or phone.
- Ignore urgency. Banks never pressure you to “act immediately” or “verify now.”
- Check the sender’s address carefully. Fraudsters often use addresses that look similar but are slightly off (e.g., “@bank-secure.co” instead of “@bank.com”).
- Call your bank directly using the number on your card if you’re unsure.
Remember: No legitimate bank will ever ask for your PIN, CVV, or password via email or phone.
4. Monitor Your Credit Card Statements Regularly
Many people only check their credit card bill once a month — that’s not enough.
Fraudsters often start with small, unnoticeable transactions to test if a card works before making big purchases later.
How to detect suspicious activity
- Check your statement weekly (or even daily using your bank’s app).
- Watch for small charges you don’t remember — even £1 test transactions.
- Enable real-time transaction alerts via SMS or app notifications.
- Immediately report unauthorized charges to your card issuer.
Example:
A scammer may make a £2.00 “online test purchase.” If it goes through, they know your card is active — and may use it for £200 later.
How to respond
If you find something suspicious:
- Contact your card provider right away.
- Freeze or cancel your card.
- Request a new card number.
- Change your online banking password.
Most major issuers, like American Express, Chase, and Barclays, offer zero liability protection, meaning you won’t pay for fraudulent charges if you report them promptly.