Stop Scammers from Exploiting Your Credit Cards!

Have you received an updated EMV "smart chip" credit card in the mail?

If you have a credit card, you will soon if you haven't already. And while the new "smart chip" is a security upgrade, the push to replace cards means opportunity for scam emails.

In the lead up to the holidays, as banks across the US send out new cards, it's vital we protect ourselves and our families from scam emails trying to exploit the switch over. For example:

1. Legitimate emails from card issuers should be short, to-the-point notifications that your new EMV card is being mailed. They should not include links or attachments urging you to "update your account."

2. Bogus PayPal emails are making the rounds, with malware-laden "Update Your Account" attachments. Legit PayPal emails never include attachments.

3. Authentic emails from card issuers will address you by name and include some specific reference to your credit card, such as the last four digits of your account number. Emails vaguely addressed to Dear "Cardholder," "Customer" or "Account Holder" are scams.

4. Be suspicious of phone calls or text messages supposedly from card issuers about EMV cards.

In the fight to stop scammers, information is power: Take the pledge today to share these warning signs with your friends and family!