Credit card fraud may have evolved with technology, but old-school tactics like card skimming, phishing, and social engineering continue to deceive unsuspecting individuals. Why? Because these time-tested scams are still able to exploit human error, outdated security measures, and gaps in merchant protections. Despite advancements in payment security, fraudsters rely on the same tricks that have worked for years or even decades—often because businesses and consumers fail to recognize or guard against them effectively.

Even though these old-school fraud tactics persist, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from them. This article will provide practical advice on how to avoid falling victim to these scams so that you can safeguard your financial information and avoid unnecessary losses.

Use a Credit Card That Offers Top-Notch Security Features

Choosing a credit card with advanced security features is one of the most effective ways to protect your financial information. These cards are equipped with tech that make it much harder for criminals to steal your data or make unauthorized transactions. For example, credit cards that utilize EMV chip technology generate a unique transaction code each time you make a purchase. This code is specific to that transaction and can’t be used, making it virtually impossible for fraudsters to clone your card. Most modern cards now also support NFC for contactless payments, which adds convenience while using encryption and tokenization to enhance security.

In addition, a credit card that gives you the ability to control its security features via the associated financial institution’s official app enables you to take immediate action if your card is compromised. Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card holders, for instance, can easily manage their card’s security settings via the Maya app. With this app, cardholders can instantly freeze or block their card with just a tap before ordering a replacement. They can also set spending limits for different types of credit card transactions, such as online payments, contactless payments, and cash advances, enhancing the overall security of their card against unauthorized use. Thanks to these security features, many Filipinos consider this Maya credit card the safest credit card for daily spending.

Safeguard Your Physical Documents and Cards

Fraudsters often gain access to personal information by physically stealing cards or documents. Thus, it’s vital to take steps to protect your card and sensitive paperwork to reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud. Make sure to always have your credit card in your wallet, or stored in a secure place—like a safe—if you don’t have plans to use it frequently. Also, avoid leaving it in easily accessible spots like your car or on your desk, where it could be easily taken.

When it comes to sensitive paperwork that contains personal information, such as old credit card statements, receipts, and bank records, shred them before discarding them. This simple step can prevent criminals from accessing your details through dumpster diving, where they sift through trash in search of documents to exploit. Furthermore, always be aware of your surroundings before using your card in public. Additionally, cover the keypad when entering your PIN at ATMs or point-of-sale terminals to prevent others from viewing your information.

Strengthen Security for Online Transactions

Ensuring secure online credit card transactions is crucial to protecting your financial information. With the rise of cybercrimes, fraudsters are discovering many more ways to steal your personal and financial information, and use them for unauthorized transactions.

One of the best ways to enhance security during transactions is by using a credit card with dynamic CVV technology. Unlike the static CVV on traditional cards, a dynamic CVV changes periodically, creating a unique code each time. This makes it much harder for fraudsters to use stolen card information, as they would need the current dynamic CVV to complete a fraudulent purchase. The Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card has this special feature. You can access the dynamic CVV via the Maya app and use it when completing an online transaction. It changes every 24 hours, or every time the card details are accessed in the app, making the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card one of the safest credit cards for securing online purchases.

Prevent Card Skimming

Card skimming remains one of the most common ways criminals steal credit card information. Fraudsters often install small, undetectable devices on ATMs or point-of-sale terminals to capture the data from your card’s magnetic stripe. To protect yourself, always inspect card readers for any unusual attachments, such as loose panels or bulky parts that don’t seem to fit with the rest of the machine. It’s also a good idea to give the card reader a gentle tug before inserting your card to check if it’s securely attached.

Whenever possible, use ATMs located in well-secured areas, such as those inside bank branches, where surveillance is likely. Additionally, consider using contactless payment methods, like tap-to-pay features, which do not require physical contact with a card reader and can help reduce the risk of card skimming.

Practice Vigilance Against Social Engineering Scams

Fraudsters often use social engineering tactics to trick individuals into revealing personal information, including credit card details. One common tactic is phishing, where scammers impersonate legitimate entities, such as banks or online retailers, to trick you into providing your account details via email, text, or phone calls. These fraudulent messages often appear urgent, offering fake rewards or threats of account suspension, to prompt you to act quickly without thinking.

As such, always verify the authenticity of any communication you receive before responding. For instance, if you suspect the phone call is a scam, hang up and call the company’s official customer service number to inquire. If you receive suspicious emails or text messages containing links or attachments, don’t click or download these files. Instead, call customer service numbers from trusted sources to check the validity of the communication. Practicing caution and verifying any suspicious messages can prevent you from falling victim to social engineering scams.

While old-school fraud tactics persist, they don’t have to be a threat to your financial security. Making informed decisions and taking the necessary precautions ensure that your information remains protected. Additionally, using a secure credit card like the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card can further safeguard your transactions, giving you greater peace of mind.