Consumer Tip No. 111: Watch Out for “Credit Card Declined” Scams

In honor of my Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series, my assistant Gabriella Samuels is writing for my newsletter and blog a series of consumer tips inspired by TV reporter Elizabeth Margaret Danniher.

Have you ever tried to buy something online, entered your credit card details, and then received a “card declined” notification? Even if you inserted a different card, the same message comes up. Typically, it is a harmless error, but lately, it has been used to scam consumers.

The Better Business Bureau reports a new scam gaining traction: the “card declined” scam.

How the scam works:

You go onto a website to make a purchase and use your debit or credit card. The charge is then “declined” or receives an “error” message. You might even put in another card for the purchase, thinking something is wrong with the card or your bank account.

What is actually happening is that after you entered your card information, it was compromised. If you enter new card information into the website, that card is also compromised. Scammers may sell your information, or they may use it to make fraudulent purchases. It is possible you also shared your full name, email, phone number, and home address through the website, which could be used maliciously.

This can be scary, but here are some tips to help you avoid this scam:

Be wary of fake retail websites.Avoid clicking on links from promotional emails since they may be fake. Go to the retail website directly.Credit cards are preferable for online purchases because they offer better fraud protection than debit cards.Get purchase notifications by enabling security alerts and two-factor authentication with your bank.Regularly monitor your bank accounts for unusual activity.

If you get scammed, contact your bank directly. Also, report any scams to the BBB.

Stay safe.ubscriptions.t.

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