CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Online shopping has become a convenient part of our daily lives, but it also comes with risks. One of the latest scams targeting online shoppers involves fake “card declined” messages that lead to fraudulent charges.
The Better Business Bureau of Central Virginia is warning consumers about this scheme and offering tips on how to protect themselves.
Here’s how the so-called “Card declined’ scam works: Scammers target social media users with enticing deals, often too good to be true. When you try to buy something, you’ll get a “Card declined” message. Frustrated, you might try a different card or payment method. But the declined message was a trick to get your card details. You then might call your bank — that’s when you’ll discover the scammers stole your information and charged your card.
“We’re not dreaming this stuff up,” said Barry Moore, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Virginia.
While 8News hasn’t seen any reports of the ‘Card Declined’ scam in central Virginia, prevention is key, warns Moore.