Beware of the "Card Declined" Scam: Protect Yourself from Fraud

In today's digital age, online shopping has become second nature for many of us. But with increased convenience comes increased risk. Recently, Rob Gilbert from Fort Collins, Colorado experienced this firsthand. He thought he was making a simple online purchase for himself and buying some gifts for his mom. Unexpectedly, he encountered a "card declined" message, which he initially attributed to a minor oversight with his new card. Switching to his debit card to complete the purchase, he unknowingly fell into a scam.

The "Card Declined" Scam Unveiled

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has raised alarms about the surge in such scams being reported to its Scam Tracker. Here's the typical modus operandi:

1. Fake Websites and Ads: Scammers create convincing fake websites or ads that lure consumers with enticing deals. Once on the fraudulent site, shoppers enter their personal and payment information.
2. Card Declined Message: After attempting a purchase, consumers receive a "card declined" or similar message. To complete their transaction, they often try a different payment method.
3. Fraudulent Charges: Unbeknownst to them, their payment information is harvested, leading to unauthorized charges on both cards.

Gilbert's experience mirrored this pattern. Both his credit and debit cards were used for fraudulent transactions, highlighting the sophisticated nature of these scams.

Tips to Safeguard Yourself

To avoid falling victim to such online purchase scams, consider these tips from the BBB:

1. Verify Website Legitimacy: Always ensure you're shopping on a legitimate website. Look for subtle discrepancies in the URL and confirm that the site is secure (look for "https://" at the beginning of the web address).
2. Beware of Phishing Emails and Ads: Scammers often use fake emails, texts, and ads to mimic legitimate businesses. Don't click on unsolicited links—if in doubt, visit the website directly by typing its URL into your browser.
3. Too Good to Be True? Probably a Scam: Extremely low prices can be a red flag. Always compare prices and research the product and seller.
4. Research Businesses: Look up reviews and check BBB.org to verify the authenticity of a business. Use the BBB Scam Tracker to see if others have reported issues.
5. Prefer Credit Over Debit: Credit cards generally offer better fraud protection compared to debit cards. This can make it easier to dispute unauthorized charges.
6. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank statements and set up alerts for unusual activity. This can help you catch and address fraudulent charges promptly.

Taking Action if Scammed

If you suspect that you have fallen victim to a scam, contact your financial institution immediately to report the issue and freeze your accounts if necessary. Monitoring your credit report for any unusual activity is also recommended. Reporting your experience to the BBB Scam Tracker can help others stay informed and safe.

Conclusion

In the rapidly evolving landscape of online shopping, being vigilant is your best defense. By following the above tips and staying informed, you can protect yourself from falling prey to fraudulent schemes. Stay safe and happy shopping!