5 Simple habits that keep credit card fraudsters away

Credit card fraud continues to evolve with our digital banking habits, but staying safe doesn’t need to be complex. A few smart, everyday habits can go a long way to protect your hard-earned money. Whether you’re starting to build credit or juggling multiple cards, these five tips reduce your vulnerability to fraud and help you have better control over your financial accounts.

Here’s your easy guide to protecting your credit card from fraud.

1. Watch out for online scams

Scammers will try to steal from you by pretending to be your bank, calling, sending fake messages, or creating fake websites to get your card details and One-Time PIN (OTP). Once they get your OTP, they can make unauthorized transactions using your account.

Remember these tips:

• Never share your One-Time PIN (OTP). No promo or offer is worth compromising your security. Keep your OTP private and never share it with others, even if they claim to be offering a special promo.
• Don’t click on links in emails or texts. These could be phishing attempts to steal your card information.
• Ignore suspicious calls. If you get a call from someone claiming to be from Metrobank and requesting sensitive information such as your OTP, CVV/CVC, hang up and report it immediately to Metrobank Card Customer Service Hotline at (02) 88-700-700 (Domestic Toll-Free, using PLDT line: 1-800-1888- 5775; International Toll-Free: IAC 800-8700-0707).

2. Treat your card like cash—guard it closely

Keep your credit cards safe and secure. Never leave them unattended in vehicles, hotels, or public spaces.

Practice safe card handling:

• Maintain visual contact with your card during transactions
• Memorize your PIN instead of writing it down
• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN in public
• Store your card securely after use

3. Check your accounts like you check social media

Make account monitoring a weekly routine rather than a monthly task. Review your credit card statements and transaction history at least twice per week through your bank’s mobile app or online platform.

Allow notifications:

• Enable notifications on your mobile phone so you can track any transaction from your mobile app
• Keep your contact details with the bank up to date so you’ll never miss SMS or email alerts to catch unauthorized activity within hours
• Review monthly statements thoroughly for any unfamiliar charges

Most banks offer comprehensive alert systems that can help you identify suspicious activity immediately, giving you the advantage of quick response times. 

4. Destroy your old cards properly (yes, there’s a right way)

When your credit card expires or gets damaged, proper disposal is crucial for preventing fraud.

Follow these disposal steps:

• Cut through the chip, magnetic stripe, and card number in multiple pieces
• For contactless cards, cut through the antenna area (usually around the edges)
• Dispose of different pieces in separate trash cycles
• Never throw intact cards in regular waste bins

When requesting replacement cards, have them sent to secure locations where you can personally receive them and immediately activate the new cards while deactivating the old ones.

5. Keep scammers out of your shopping cart

Scammers will create fake websites to get your card details and OTP. Only shop on secure websites that display “https://” in the URL and avoid making purchases over public Wi-Fi networks. When banking online, always log out completely and clear your browser cache on shared or public computers.

Strengthen your digital security:

• Enable biometric authentication for mobile banking
• Avoid storing card details in browsers or non-secure apps
• Use virtual card numbers for online subscriptions or unfamiliar merchants
• Keep banking apps updated with the latest security features

If you receive an OTP for a transaction you didn’t make, report it immediately.

Report suspicious activity immediately

The moment you see a discrepancy in your bank transaction history, or you get an alert about a transaction you did not make, report it right away. To report suspicious transactions on your Metrobank credit card or accounts, call immediately and report the incident to Metrobank Card Customer Service Hotline at (02) 88-700-700 (Domestic Toll-Free, using PLDT line: 1-800-1888-5775; International Toll-Free: IAC 800-8700-0707). 

Even if you’re unsure whether the activity is fraudulent or not, it’s better to report and investigate than to wait and potentially face larger losses. Most banks have 24/7 fraud reporting services and can immediately freeze accounts when necessary.

Make these practices a habit. Safeguard your credit card, protect your finances. For more tips like this, visit lifebanking.ph.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Financial decisions should be based on your own research and personal circumstances. Consider consulting with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.