The most common credit card scams target you before and after you open an account
Credit card scams fall into two categories: those that trick you into giving up your card number or personal information, and those that use stolen information to open accounts in your name. The first kind happens through phishing emails, fake websites, and phone calls pretending to be your bank. The second kind—called identity theft—uses your Social Security number and other details to apply for cards you never requested. Both are preventable if you know what to watch for.
The reason scammers target credit cards specifically is simple: a card number is valuable immediately. Unlike a bank account number, which requires a PIN to drain, a credit card can be used online or over the phone with just the number, expiration date, and CVV. That's why the tactics are so direct—they're designed to get those four pieces of information as fast as possible.
Key Takeaways
- Phishing emails and texts that look like they're from your bank are designed to steal your card number; your real bank will never ask for it by email or text.
- Fake websites that mimic real banks or retailers can capture your information when you enter it; always check the URL and look for the padlock icon before entering payment details.
- Identity theft happens when someone uses your Social Security number to open cards in your name; monitor your credit report regularly and place a fraud alert if you suspect theft.
- Skimming devices on ATMs and gas pumps read your card's magnetic stripe; inspect the card slot before inserting your card and use pumps near the store entrance.
- If you spot unauthorized charges, contact your card issuer immediately—federal law limits your liability to $50, and most issuers waive that entirely.
How phishing emails and texts trick you into giving up your card details
A phishing message looks like it came from your bank or a company you trust. It says your account has been compromised, your payment failed, or you need to confirm your identity. It includes a link that takes you to a fake website that looks almost identical to the real one. When you enter your card number, it goes straight to the scammer.
The key thing to remember: your real bank will never ask for your full card number, PIN, or CVV by email, text, or phone. Not ever. If you get a message asking for these details, it is a scam, no matter how official it looks. Instead, hang up or ignore the message, then call the number on the back of your actual card or go directly to your bank's website (by typing the address yourself, not clicking a link) to check your account.
Text message phishing, called smishing, is especially common because most people trust texts more than emails. A message might say "Confirm your payment" or "Unusual activity detected" with a link. Do not click it. Call your bank directly using the number on your statement.
Fake websites that capture your information at checkout
Scammers create websites that look nearly identical to real retailers or banks. You might find them through a search result, a social media ad, or a link in an email. When you enter your card information to make a purchase, the site captures it and the scammer uses it immediately.
Before you enter your card number anywhere online, check three things. First, look at the URL in the address bar—it should match the real company's website exactly. Amazon.com is not the same as amazons-deals.com or amazon-checkout.net. Second, look for a padlock icon next to the URL, which means the connection is encrypted. Third, if you're unsure about a website, go to the company's official site directly by typing the address yourself rather than clicking a link.
A common variation is a fake checkout page on a real website. This happens when a scammer hacks a legitimate site and adds a payment form. The site looks real because it is real—except for that one page. If something feels off about the checkout process, leave the site and contact the company directly.
Skimming devices that steal your card number from ATMs and gas pumps
A skimming device is a small reader that attaches to an ATM, gas pump, or card reader. When you insert your card, the device reads and stores your card number. The scammer retrieves it later and uses it to make purchases or withdraw cash. Some skimmers also include a hidden camera to record your PIN.
Before you use any card reader, inspect it. Wiggle the card slot—if it feels loose or like it's not part of the machine, do not use it. Look for anything that seems glued on or out of place. At gas pumps, use the pump closest to the store entrance, which is checked more often. At ATMs, use ones inside banks or well-lit, busy locations rather than isolated machines.
If you spot a skimmer, do not remove it yourself. Report it to the business or bank that owns the machine. If you've already used that machine and are worried, contact your card issuer and ask them to monitor your account or issue a new card.
Identity theft: when someone opens cards in your name
Identity theft is different from card fraud. Instead of stealing your existing card, a scammer uses your personal information—usually your Social Security number—to open new credit cards or loans in your name. You might not notice for months, until you check your credit report or a debt collector calls.
The best defense is to monitor your credit. You can get a free credit report once a year from each of the three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—through annualcreditreport.com. Check it for accounts you did not open. If you spot something, place a fraud alert with one bureau (they will notify the other two), which requires creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
If you think your Social Security number has been compromised, consider a credit freeze, which prevents anyone from opening accounts using your information without your permission. You can place a freeze for free through each of the three bureaus' websites. A freeze is stronger than an alert but takes a few days to set up and remove when you want to open your own account.
What to do if you spot unauthorized charges on your card
If you see a charge you did not make, contact your card issuer immediately. Call the number on the back of your card—do not use a number from an email or text. Tell them which charge is fraudulent and ask them to cancel the card and issue a new one.
Federal law limits your liability for unauthorized charges to $50 if you report them within 60 days of the statement date. Most card issuers waive the $50 entirely and cover 100 percent of fraudulent charges. The issuer will investigate, and if they determine the charge was not yours, they will remove it from your account. This usually takes 10 business days, though the investigation itself can take longer.
While the investigation is happening, the issuer will typically issue a temporary credit so you are not out the money. Keep records of all your communications—dates, names of representatives, confirmation numbers—in case you need to dispute the charge later.
Steps to take right now to reduce your risk
Start with the basics. Use a strong, unique password for each of your online banking and shopping accounts—a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can store them securely. Enable two-factor authentication on your bank's website if it offers it, which requires a second verification step (usually a code sent to your phone) before anyone can log in.
Set up account alerts with your card issuer. Most banks let you choose to be notified by email or text when a charge over a certain amount is made, when a payment is due, or when your account is accessed from a new device. These alerts give you early warning if something is wrong.
Shred documents with your card number, Social Security number, or account information before throwing them away. Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet. When you no longer need a credit card, call the issuer and ask them to close the account, then cut up the card.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a scammer has my card number, can they use it without the CVV?
Yes. While the CVV adds a layer of security for online purchases, many scammers can still use your card number alone to make in-person purchases or to test whether the card is active. That's why you should report unauthorized charges immediately, even if you're not sure how the scammer got your number.
Is it safe to give my card number over the phone?
Only if you initiated the call to a number you know is real—like the one on the back of your card or on a company's official website. Never give your card number to someone who called you, even if they sound official. Legitimate companies will not call asking for your full card number.
What's the difference between a fraud alert and a credit freeze?
A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts, but they can still open them if they reach you. A credit freeze blocks new accounts entirely unless you temporarily lift it. A freeze is stronger but takes longer to set up. Start with an alert if you're not sure; you can add a freeze later.
Can I get my money back if a scammer used my card?
Yes. Federal law limits your liability to $50 for unauthorized charges reported within 60 days, and most issuers cover it entirely. Report the fraud to your card issuer as soon as you notice it, and keep records of your report. The issuer will investigate and remove fraudulent charges from your account.
How often should I check my credit report?
At least once a year, using your free report from annualcreditreport.com. If you're concerned about identity theft, check it every four months by requesting one report from each of the three bureaus in rotation. This spreads out your checks and gives you more frequent monitoring without paying for a service.