How to avoid credit card scams or fraud

Credit cards are synonymous with convenience. With them, you can pay for expenses without having to carry cash or checks, and in online stores, you can often receive the product more quickly because payment is confirmed immediately after purchase.

But criminals are also interested in this convenience. Scams and attempted fraud involving credit cards are more common than we think, and when a problem is discovered, it is not always easy to solve.

That's why prevention is important. In the following lines, you will find simple tips that will help you a lot when it comes to protecting your credit or debit card.

1. Only use your credit card at reputable stores or online services.

If you intend to buy a product or service from an unknown website, research its reputation before closing a deal. To do this, you can look for opinions on search engines or search on specific websites for this purpose.

2. Do not save card details in your account at the store or online service

A few online shops permit you to store your card details to use on repeat purchases. Unless you're dealing with a service that takes repeating payments, such as Spotify or Netflix, don't use this facility — it's best to enter your credit card details with every new purchase.

3. Use services that mediate online purchases, such as PayPal

The most popular service for this purpose is PayPal , which is usually used mainly for international purchases, although several companies already accept it.

Before signing up to any intermediary service, find out about fees, terms of use and, of course, reputation.

4. Share credit card details when making purchases Only

Be wary of websites that ask for your credit card number when you register, even if you are not going to purchase a product or service. Do not provide card details via email, WhatsApp, social media, telephone or other means, especially if you did not initiate the contact.

Take extra care if card details are required for sweepstakes, prizes, discount coupons and the like.

5. Make purchases with your card only with your own devices

Whenever possible, make purchases with a credit card from your personal computer, smartphone or tablet. The maintenance of public computers (at universities, libraries, internet cafes, etc.) is beyond your control, so there is a greater chance that there will be malicious software there that captures data.

Even if you are using your own equipment, it is also recommended not to perform financial transactions from public Wi-Fi networks.

6. Protect your computer or mobile device

There is no point in using only your computer or mobile device for purchases if the equipment is not protected:

• Be careful with links in fake emails or social networks;
• Only install well-rated programs;
• Only download from known sites;
• Unless you are very technically savvy, use antivirus software and keep it up to date;
• Use strong passwords on online services to prevent your email, for example, from being accessed by third parties.

7. Monitor your card usage with SMS or app

Did you know that, with most banks or administrators, you can receive an SMS or notification via app every time a purchase is made with your credit or debit card?

This is a great way to identify fraud: when you receive a message regarding an unrecognized payment, you will know immediately that your card is being misused by a third party and you can notify your bank or operator without delay.

Bank and card operator apps are also a great way to request temporary blocking, adjust limits, track spending, issue invoices, among other services.

8. Be careful with confirmation links

It is normal — and acceptable — for stores or even carriers to contact consumers immediately after a purchase. This is a way to confirm certain information to prevent fraud.

Be careful, however, if the call asks for strange information: security code (CVV) and expiration date, for example, are data that should not be requested over the phone.

The same care applies to your credit or debit card password: never give it out via SMS, WhatsApp, telephone or any other means (this information is never requested by the bank or card administrator).

9. A "virtual" credit card could be a good idea

Many banks and credit card companies offer virtual credit cards specifically for online purchases. These are usually linked to a conventional credit card, but have a different number. This means you don't need to provide your "real" card number during the transaction.

Other advantages: you can set lower limits for the virtual card, determine the maximum purchase amount and block it more easily.

Check with your bank or administrator about the availability of this service.

10. Do not post a photo of your card on social media

It may seem like a silly, perhaps obvious precaution, but on social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram it is relatively easy to find users who, excited about the arrival of a new credit card, publish their photo on these services. If you want to do this, at least take care to cover the card number or erase it from the image.