THE credit card scams have seen alarming growth in recent years. With the advancement of technology, criminals have perfected their tactics to commit fraud. From theft of personal data to creation of fraudulent websitesFraudsters take advantage of consumers’ trust in online shopping. While credit cards offer convenience and security, they have also become an attractive target for cybercriminals.
THE credit card adoption has simplified the purchasing process for many, but with this ease comes considerable risks. Many users are unaware of the vulnerabilities share sensitive informationwhich can lead to significant financial losses and legal problems. It is therefore crucial that cardholders are aware of the threats that exist. They must know how to identify alarm signals and adopting security measures to protect yourself. Knowledge and caution are essential tools for operating safely in an environment where fraud is constantly increasing.
The Bank of Spain’s recommendation to avoid scams
THE credit and debit card transactions They are frequently targeted by scams, generating nearly a million fraudulent attempts per year. The most common methods include online purchases (77%) and physical purchases (20%), mainly from duplicate, stolen or lost cards.
However, users themselves can unwittingly contribute to these scams by entering their data into fake websites. This may result in loss of product and misuse of banking information, which directly impacts customers’ finances.
Although banks are required to refund money in case of fraudulent use, there are exceptions. If a card is lost or stolen, the cardholder is responsible for the first 50 euros of unauthorized expenses until you notify the entity. For example, if 500 euros are spent, the bank will refund 450 before canceling the card.
To avoid mistakes, the Bank of Spain advises to carefully check the charges at the point of sale terminal and review the receipt before finalizing the purchase, especially for payments contactlesswhere no PIN code is required for amounts less than 50 euros. Requesting a copy of the receipt is essential for submitting future claims.
- Check the amount that appears on the POS screen during a contactless payment to make sure it is correct. Saving the copy will help you control your spending.
- Keep the purchase receipt to compare the amount charged to the card with the transaction amount. Many establishments offer the option of an electronic ticket.
- Review your account fees regularly to keep track of your transactions.
- Check with your bank to find out if you can receive an SMS each time your card is withdrawn.
Banking security
THE electronic transaction fraud They are becoming increasingly common. One of the most common scams involves SMS or emails impersonating a bank, asking for sensitive information such as PINs or passwords.
These communications often appear legitimate, using techniques such as “smishing”where a deceptive text message prompts users to enter their details on a fake webpage. Cybercriminals use “SMS spoofing” to disguise their true origin, making it harder to detect fraud. To avoid falling into these traps, it is advisable to enable notifications from the banking application and always operate through it, instead of using external links.
In addition to bank fraud, criminals also impersonate courier companies such as Correos or DHL. The messages may alert you of a pending package that requires additional payment or the data confirmation. It is crucial to pay attention to the wording and quality of the message; official companies do not send communications containing spelling mistakes or suspicious links. When in doubt, it is always best to contact the company in question directly.
The fraud also extends to used platforms such as Wallapop and Vinted, where fraudsters invite users to leave the secure environment of the application, asking for banking information via fake links.
To protect yourself against these threats, it is essential to follow some basic tips according to the Bank of Spain: use strong and different passwords for each accountBe on the lookout for suspicious messages and always check URLs before clicking on links. Additionally, using prepaid cards can be a good practice when shopping online.
Finally, common sense is essential; one should never act in haste. requests for personal or banking informationand it is always advisable to verify the authenticity of the communication directly with the corresponding entity.
