Don’t Get Tricked by the “Card Declined” Scam This Holiday Season

(3 Minute Read) — It’s that time of year again – holiday shopping season is about to ramp up! As you’re browsing online for those perfect gifts, Unitus Community Credit Union wants to remind you to stay vigilant against fraudsters looking to steal your hard-earned money.  

Card Declined Scam

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning online shoppers about a new twist on an old scam: the “card declined” message. Here’s how it works: 

• You find that special gift online and proceed to checkout. 

• You enter your debit or credit card information. 

• Suddenly, you get an error message that your card has been declined. 

What do you do?

You might try another card, only to receive the same message. Later, you contact us and find out that your card was never declined. Instead, you’ve been charged multiple times for the item, often at inflated prices. 

In one case, a consumer reported losing $200 when attempting to buy a water bottle. Another individual had charges for $2,500 declined after entering their card information, despite never attempting to spend that amount. These accounts were reported to the BBB’s Scam Tracker. 

Tips to Avoid the Card Declined Scam

So, how can you avoid falling victim to this scam? 

• Be wary of websites with “too good to be true” deals. If a website offers incredibly steep discounts (think 90% off) or claims to have in-stock items that are sold out everywhere else, proceed with caution. 

• Always double-check the website’s URL. Make sure the website address is spelled correctly and look for the “https://” and lock icon in the address bar, indicating a secure site. 

• Before entering your payment information, research the website. Look for reviews and complaints from other customers. You can search online using the website name along with keywords like “complaints,” “reviews,” and “scam”. 

• Review the website’s return and refund policies. Be cautious if a website offers little or no information about returns or refunds. 

• Carefully review your credit card statements for any unauthorized charges. If you find any, contact us immediately. 

As always, if you notice suspicious activity on any Unitus account, credit card or debit card, we are here to help. Contact us immediately using a method below: 

1. Visit our Virtual Branch to live chat or video chat instantly. 

2. Call us at 503-227-5571 or 1-800-452-0900 to get help from a Member Service Specialist. 

3. To report lost or stolen debit or credit card after business hours, call 503-423-8315 or 1-800-422-3132 (option 2).

We also encourage you to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the U.S. government agency tasked with investigating deceptive or unfair business practices. This will help protect other innocent people from fraud. 

Don’t let scammers ruin your holiday cheer! By being aware of this scam and taking steps to protect yourself, you can shop online with confidence.