The Most Common Online Credit Card Scams
Without a doubt, one of the worst things that can happen to a credit card owner is to be scammed online. It may take a while for you to notice it; and by then, the credit card will be totally maxed out, leaving you in a deep hole.
There are, of course, ways to claim that you never made those purchases that happened all the way in Hong Kong, but it could seriously dent your confidence in online purchases.
Receiving an e-mail is the most common way that people get caught out. The e-mails look so convincing, which is why so many people get scammed. These are called "phishing" scams. The e-mails may have a website link that, when you click it, will take you to a fake website that the scammer has prepared.
Upon entering your details, the scammer will learn your password for the website and will know every bit of information about you. Therefore being able to gain a new credit card in your name; and will use it till it’s maxed out and then throw it away.
The most sensible option to do is to not click the link in the e-mail, even if the e-mail states that your account will be suspended or closed. This is what the scammers do to scare you and to make you believe that the e-mail is real. Legitimate companies will never ask you for any personal information, especially not through an e-mail.
If you are concerned about your credit card account, then you always have the option of being able to check your credit card account with the company through the phone. Always be cautious when opening an e-mail from a so-called credit card company. If you do suspect that the e-mail is not genuine, then you can e-mail the company and ask them if they sent you an e-mail. They will be happy to respond; and if it isn’t genuine, then you can forward the e-mail address to your e-mail providers address and they will block the account.
|
