Payment Scams

Payment & Credit Card Scams

Payment and credit card scams are attempts to steal your money or financial information by pretending to be trusted companies, banks, or individuals.

Scammers often create fake payment pages, send urgent messages, or impersonate customer support representatives to convince victims to share card numbers, passwords, or send payments.

Common Types of Payment Scams

Warning Signs / Red Flags

They try to make you panic so you act without thinking
They ask for card details, passwords, or security codes
They request gift cards, crypto, or hard-to-reverse payments
They send fake payments and demand money back
They discourage you from checking with your bank
Fake alerts trick you into responding quickly

How to Stay Safe

Check payment requests carefully
Never share card numbers or security codes through messages
Visit websites directly instead of clicking payment links
Use trusted payment methods
Contact companies using official phone numbers

What To Do If You've Been Scammed

Contact your bank or credit card company immediately
Freeze or lock your card to prevent further unauthorized charges
Report fraudulent transactions and request a payment review
Change passwords for any affected accounts
Enable two-factor authentication for extra protection
Monitor bank statements and credit reports for suspicious activity
Save screenshots, receipts, emails, and messages from the scammer
Report the scam to the appropriate platform or authorities

Quick Checklist

Was I pressured to make a payment quickly?
Did the message or call come from a verified source?
Was I asked for my card number, password, or security code?
Am I being asked to use gift cards, crypto, or unusual payment methods?
Does the payment request match something I actually purchased?
Did I verify the company or person before sending money?
Does the website or payment page look legitimate?
Am I being promised refunds, prizes, or rewards that seem too good to be true?

Don’t wait until it happens to you.

Start Checking Messages

Payment & Credit Card Scams

Common Types of Payment Scams

Fake Payment Requests

Bank & Credit Card Impersonation

Fake Online Stores

Don’t wait until it happens to you.