Hacking

Credit card data can be stolen from the databases of retailers, credit card companies, and more. Some hackers even gain access to credit card info that goes through trusted websites via a cyber-attack called “formjacking.” Hackers can also intercept personal emails in an attempt to steal credit card information. Hacking is constantly evolving, and criminals are always devising new methods of accessing credit card information online or through computers.   
How to stay safe: Keep an eye on your credit card accounts and act immediately if you notice any suspicious activity. Protect your personal information with encrypted accounts. 

In-Person Theft

There are many ways for thieves to steal credit card information in-person. Some of the most common ways to physically steal credit cards or credit card information are: pickpocketing, waiters or servers writing down card information when given a card for a transaction, and stealing new credit cards from mailboxes. Thieves then use the stolen card or card information to buy things fraudulently.  
How to stay safe: Guard your physical card and mailbox with diligence. Never lose sight of your wallet, and make sure you always stash your card in a safe location, especially when you’re out in public. Be wary of giving your card out at a restaurant – many restaurants now have portable card readers that they can bring to your table. If you know that you are due to receive a new credit card in the mail, be sure to check your mail often.

Job/Employment Scams

This happens when scammers create fake job offers and ask applicants for credit card information for background checks, fees, or equipment purchases. Scammers also may request credit card information as part of a job application process. 
How to stay safe: Research any job or company thoroughly and be suspicious of unsolicited requests for your info. Always be suspicious when someone you don’t know asks for money or information. 

Online Dating Scams 

Scammers have been known to build fake romances online through dating sites and chatrooms - just to gain your trust and eventually ask for credit information or a credit card payment. 
How to stay safe: Be wary of online relationships, especially if they start asking for personal or payment info. 

Overcharge Scams

Scammers pretending to be companies might reach out to their victims to supposedly issue a refund - but when they ask for the individual’s credit card number to “confirm the account”, they’re actually aiming to commit fraud. They might have insider info on which companies their victims buy from, or they might take a chance by impersonating a big company like Netflix. 
How to stay safe:  Verify any supposed “refunds” with the company directly. Check your credit card statements with care to make sure you’re paying the correct amount every time. 

Peer-to-Peer Payment Scams

Using P2P payment platforms like Venmo or Zelle can be risky if you’re not careful; scammers can hack them to access card info or use them to trick victims into revealing card info.  
How to stay safe: Exercise caution when connecting your bank information to apps and with other individuals. Check your statements often and thoroughly and never accept to send or receive money from people you don’t know. 

Phishing

Phishing is when a scammer reaches out pretending to be a company or trusted individual in order to convince victims to divulge their credit card information, or to click on a link that will collect their credit card information. Phishing comes in many flavors: over email, text (smishing), and phone calls (vishing). AI deepfakes have made it easier than ever for scammers to copy faces and voices flawlessly – and thus made phishing even trickier to spot. 
How to stay safe: Be wary of links that are sent to you by unknown email addresses, and – as always – be extremely wary of divulging your credit card information. 

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) Collection

Modern cards that feature contactless payments use radio-frequency identification technology to send and receive payment information. Thieves with a compatible device can sometimes steal credit card information from a small distance. 
How to stay safe: Keep your card concealed in public and consider RFID signal-blocking wallets. 

SIM Swapping

Scammers can switch out mobile phones’ SIM cards and hijack phone numbers to intercept messages and calls and to facilitate account takeovers. Their goal in accessing messages, calls, and accounts, is to find and steal their victims’ credit card information. 
How to stay safe: Guard your phone, personal devices, and anything else that handles your credit card information with care. 

Skimming

Skimming is common at gas stations and ATMs. It occurs when scammers attach specialized devices, or “skimmers”, to Point-of-Sale (PoS) machines to read and steal credit card information. 
How to stay safe: Inspect ATMs and PoS machines before using them. If any part of the machine or card reader feels loose, avoid using it, notify the business and law enforcement, and/or give it a wiggle – the skimmers are know to fall right off. 

Stolen Identity Application Scams 

This happens when a scammer uses someone else’s identity to apply for a credit card that they then use for fraud. 
How to stay safe: Prevent it by guarding your personal information well and performing regular credit checks to get an accurate overview of your credit portfolio.

Subscription Scams

Scammers might sign you up for unwanted and unauthorized subscriptions to regularly drain your card. 
How to stay safe: Be cautious with your info and check your statements often for any sneaky recurring charges. 

Survey Scams 

Online surveys that ask for card info to access the results sometimes are the work of scammers. Once the victims enters their card information, the scammers steal it to use for fraud. 
How to stay safe: Be suspicious of any survey requesting payment info. Don’t give your payment information out online unless you’re sure that the survey belongs to a trusted business.