How do I protect myself from credit card scams?

Skimming-

Skimming most commonly involves a dishonest employee of a merchant. This employee copies credit card information from customers before or after the payment transaction. The scammer may either write down or use a card-swiper to record card information. Also, the 3 or 4 digit card security code is typically written down. The addition of the card security code allows the thief to make purchases online and over the telephone with the credit card.

What you can do:

Don't let your credit card out of your sight when at a place of business. If you want to be very cautious, you can always pay in cash.

Stealing unsigned credit cards-

Some scammers take a simple but messy approach and just sift through mail and feel for credit cards through the envelope. The pay day comes when they find a nice new credit card that is unsigned. They put their signature on it (and by doing this, the thief take your name a permanent alias) and then use it to purchase goods.

What you can do:

Sign your credit cards as soon as you get them.
Make sure you have a lock on your mailbox.

Phishing-

Phishing is a scam that involves social engineering. In social engineering, the scammer manipulates the victim to share sensitive information, usually personal or account related information. Phishing most frequently does not occur in person, but rather over the telephone or internet. Commonly the scammer will call under the false identity (for example, a representative from your credit card company). Scammers may try to coerce credit card number and information from you.

What you can do:

Don't leave your credit card receipts lying around. Tear them up and throw them away.
Don't give out personal or financial account information over the phone unless you initiate the conversation.
Be wary giving out personal information and never give out financial account information over the internet unless it is a sale or transaction that you initiate.

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