Credit Card Scams You Need to Know About

Let Me Take Your Card To The Back

This is when someone at a restaurant or other business needs to take your credit card "to the back" to run your transaction. There's no guarantee that those people won't copy your credit card details when you're not looking. In fact, it's been done many many times to other innocent cardholders.

To avoid this scam only pay by credit card when you can see exactly what they are doing with your card at all times. In all other situations, pay cash.

I Need Your Those Three Digits

This scam happens when someone calls you pretending to be from the security department of your credit card company. Supposedly there's been suspicious activity on your card and they have to verify that you're in possession of the card. They ask you to read the three digit "security code" on the back.

While that is indeed as security number, it's not your credit card company calling. It's another one of those annoyingly-deceptive credit card scams. When you get this call it means that a scammer already has your credit card number and expiration date. He just needed those three little numbers on the back of your card. If you fall for the scam, he got them.

You've Been Approved

This scam is also done over the phone. You get call saying you've been approved for a great credit card. High limit, low interest rate - what more could you ask for? Of course you want to jump on the deal so you go for it.

To process your new account the person on the phone needs to verify just a few things. Your name, social security number, address, phone number and income. Don't fall for it.

If you are ever pre-approved for a card, they'll send you something in the mail and you'll need to call them. No credit card company is going to call you over the phone asking for such personal information. Do yourself a favor. Next time you get a call like this, tell the person you need a number where you can call them back. Call the authorities with the time of the call and give them the number. It's the only way to stop these credit card scams.

Be Weary, Be Wise

While you don't want to feel as though you're paranoid or overly-suspicious, the fact of the matter is that we live in a changing world and credit card scams are becoming more and more common. Do yourself a favor and protect yourself from these scams. Be on the lookout at all times and keep the above information in mind.