Don't panic if you get a text message stating that there's a problem with your credit card or that it's been deactivated. Chances are that everything is fine with your card. The message you received is likely a scam.
DOWNLOAD: The Kip Tips iPad App
Bill Hardekopf, CEO of credit card comparison site LowCards.com, says that there is a common texting scam that prompts people to call a number to solve an alleged problem with their credit cards. If you call, you'll be asked to enter your credit card number. At that point, you'll be handing over valuable information to scammers.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Hardekopf recommends that you take the following steps to protect yourself against this and other texting scams:
Do not reply to unfamiliar texts. Any response will let scammers know that they've reached an active phone number.
Check with your card company if you suspect there is a problem. Even if you've signed up to receive text messages from your card company or bank, call the number printed on the back of your credit or debit card. The text message you receive might look legitimate but could be a scam.
Ask your cell phone provider to block the number from which the scam texts originate.
Forward spam texts to 7726 (or SPAM). This service provided by wireless carriers allows you to report numbers from which spam is sent. The carriers collect this information to identify spammers and take action against them, Hardekopf says.
Download apps to help detect scam texts and calls. For example, the NumberCop app lets you search suspicious phone numbers to see if they've been reported as spam or scams and lets you report complaints about suspicious texts from your phone.
Complain to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.
-
Claiming the Standard Deduction? Here Are Ten Tax Breaks For Middle-Class Families in 2025Tax Breaks Working middle-income Americans won’t need to itemize to claim these tax deductions and credits — if you qualify.
-
Are Trump Tariffs Even Legal? Three Things to Know About the Latest Court RulingTax Law The outcome of this legal battle over tariffs will hit your wallet in one way or another.
-
Seven Things You Should Do Now if You Think Your Identity Was StolenIf you suspect your identity was stolen, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself, but make sure you take action fast.
-
The 8 Financial Documents You Should Always ShredIdentity Theft The financial documents piling up at home put you at risk of fraud. Learn the eight types of financial documents you should always shred to protect yourself.
-
How to Guard Against the New Generation of Fraud and Identity TheftIdentity Theft Fraud and identity theft are getting more sophisticated and harder to spot. Stay ahead of the scammers with our advice.
-
12 Ways to Protect Yourself From Fraud and ScamsIdentity Theft Think you can spot the telltale signs of frauds and scams? Follow these 12 tips to stay safe from evolving threats and prevent others from falling victim.
-
Watch Out for These Travel Scams This SummerIdentity Theft These travel scams are easy to fall for and could wreck your summer. Take a moment to read up on the warning signs and simple ways to protect yourself.
-
How to Guard Against Identity Theft in 2025Scammers are getting better at impersonating legitimate businesses.
-
Social Media Scams Cost Consumers $2.7B, Study ShowsScams related to online shopping, investment schemes and romance top the FTC's social media list this year.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
