Cybercrime incidents in the country have been rising at an alarming rate. In fact, according to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), victims lost nearly PHP 198 million to online scams in 2024 alone. This reveals the real cost of cybercrime and highlights why anyone conducting transactions online needs to remain vigilant.

Credit card users are particularly at risk, as scammers constantly look for ways to access their sensitive financial information during online transactions. The good news is that being aware of how scammers operate can greatly reduce your vulnerability and help ensure secure online credit card transactions. Understanding common scams such as phishing, smishing, and vishing is an important step toward spotting suspicious activity before it affects your finances. With that in mind, let’s explore how these scams work and the practical steps you can take to keep your credit card and personal information safe.

Understanding Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing

Many credit card breaches occur because cardholders unknowingly share their details to criminals. This is the core tactic behind phishing, smishing, and vishing. Scammers build trust or create a sense of urgency, tricking you into revealing credit card numbers or one-time passwords (OTPs). While all three rely on deception, each uses a different approach. Here’s a closer look at each one:

Phishing

Phishing usually comes in the form of emails or fake websites that appear legitimate, often pretending to be your bank or an online store. These messages may ask you to click a link, log in, or “verify” your account. For example, you might receive an email claiming there is suspicious activity on your card and directing you to a site designed to steal your details.

Smishing

Think of smishing as phishing through text messages (it means “SMS phishing”). Scammers send urgent SMS messages that appear to come from your card provider or a store, often including a link or a request for sensitive information. A common example is a text saying, “Your payment failed. Click here to fix it,” which actually leads to a fraudulent website designed to capture your financial or personal information once you input them.

Vishing

Vishing or “voice phishing” occurs over phone calls, where scammers pose as bank representatives or authorities. They may claim your account is compromised or that immediate action is required, then ask for your credit card number, PIN, or OTP. The pressure and sense of urgency are designed to make you act without thinking, potentially leading you to reveal sensitive information or authorize fraudulent transactions.

While phishing, smishing, and vishing use different channels, they share the same goal: tricking you into giving away personal information. Falling for these scams can result in financial loss, identity theft, and a lengthy process to recover your accounts. Knowing what to look out for is the first step toward staying safe.

Ways to Keep Your Credit Card Safe

In addition to being aware of common scams, practicing good security habits is essential for keeping credit card transactions safe. It also helps to choose a card that offers strong security features from the outset. The Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, for one, is the most secure credit card you can have if you’re a frequent online shopper, thanks to its advanced protection measures. Here are some practical tips to keep your card safe, along with the security features you can expect if you use a Maya credit card:

1. Use Secure Networks for Online Transactions

Whenever you make online purchases, avoid using public Wi-Fi or unsecured networks. These connections often lack basic security protections, leaving your data exposed to potential threats. Stick to trusted networks or your mobile data to reduce the risk of your credit card information being intercepted.

2. Leverage Your Card’s Built-In Security Features

Many credit cards today come with built-in features designed to protect your transactions, so make sure you take full advantage of them. For example, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card offers a dynamic CVV that’s valid for only 24 hours. Moreover, each time you access your card details in the Maya app, a new CVV is generated, so you never have to use your permanent CVV for online purchases. This means that even if your CVV is exposed, it quickly expires, preventing repeated unauthorized use.

The card also has spending limits and transaction controls, allowing you to turn off online or foreign transactions entirely via the Maya app. Make it a habit to review the features your card offers and activate these protections before making any purchases to reduce the risk of fraud.

3. Keep Sensitive Information Private

Never share your PIN, full card number, or OTPs with anyone, whether by phone, text, or email. Remember that legitimate banks and payment platforms will never ask for these details. If you're ever unsure, reach out to your card provider using the official channels on their website to verify instead of giving out your information upfront. Keeping your card details private is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your finances.

4. Avoid Clicking Links in Emails or Texts

Scammers often try to trick you into visiting fake websites through links in emails or text messages. Always go directly to your bank’s official website or app instead of following links from messages. These official channels are where financial institutions are most likely to send you communication about promos or important information about your account. It also helps to take precautions so that even if you were to accidentally click a suspicious link, you can limit potential losses. If you're a Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card user, for instance, setting a low daily spending limit or turning off access to certain transactions when your card isn’t in use can provide an extra layer of protection.

5. Regularly Monitor Transactions

Keeping a close eye on your credit card activity is vital, as it allows you to spot suspicious transactions quickly. With the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, you can easily monitor your transactions through the Maya app and even download billing statements for review at your convenience. This level of access makes it easier to take prompt action before any significant loss occurs.

What to Do if Your Card Is Compromised

If you suspect your credit card has been compromised through phishing, smishing, or vishing, your first step should be to contact your card provider immediately. This allows you to block the card and prevent any fraudulent transactions. If you're dealing with a compromised, stolen, or lost Maya credit card, you can also just freeze your card instantly via the Maya app to stop unauthorized activity. A replacement card can also be requested through the app, though note that replacement fees will apply.

At the end of the day, staying vigilant and practicing good credit card habits is the best way to protect your finances. Understanding how phishing, smishing, and vishing scams work enables you to spot suspicious activity before scammers can access your accounts. Combine this awareness with a card that offers strong security features like the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, and you can enjoy safer, worry-free transactions.