Are a cautious consumer? Do you protect your credit card information carefully? If not, you might someday find yourself the victim of a credit card scam. Today let’s talk about the types of credit card scams that target you — the cardholder.

Here are three common credit card scams that can lead to identity theft or fraud and tips on protecting yourself (and your credit cards):

1. Email phishing attempts – Here’s the gist of how phishing emails work: you receive an email that appears to be from a major company you would trust, the email entices you to click a link, and the page you land on asks for your credit card information. If you enter your credit card details, a scammer has access to the information they need to use your card online or over the phone easily before you even realise what happened.

To avoid this credit card scam: Mouseover all links in an email before clicking on them, and look at the full Web address / URL that shows up in the status bar at the bottom of your email software or browser. If it doesn’t point to the company’s real address (and not just one setup to look like it), don’t click. If they want you to login or give personal information, it’s best to visit the real site manually and then navigate to the login / signup / payment page yourself.

2. Telephone credit card scams — These scams are similar to the phishing emails. Instead of an email though, you’ll receive a call from someone claiming to be from your credit card company (or a retailer you might trust enough to give your details to). There are many different stories they could give you, from saying they’re verifying your account to pretending to pitch you a product like a telemarketing call. The idea is simple: they get you to give them your credit card information willingly, they use it, and you’re tasked with cleaning up the mess.

To avoid this credit card scam: Never give out credit card information to someone who calls you. Ask for their phone number and call them back. Some scammers can’t be reached. Others will simply answer the phone. If it doesn’t sound like a legitimate operation, there’s a good chance it isn’t. Look up the number online to see if there have been scam reports. Also look up the number of the real company they’re pretending to be, and see if the numbers match (call the verified number to talk to a real customer service representative about the issue).

3. Hacking — This is where someone “breaks into” a company’s customer database and collects customers’ credit card information. They don’t go in looking for one or two. They usually gain access to many credit card details in a single attempt.

To avoid this credit card scam: On the surface it might not sound like you can do anything to protect hacking. After all, once a company has your credit card information, it’s up to them to protect it. True, but it’s up to you to make sure your information is only given to the most trustworthy sources. While you probably trust the stores you frequent in person, online shopping can be more risky if you aren’t as familiar with the company. Read these safety considerations when shopping with credit cards online for tips on how to identify secure retail sites on the Web before giving them your information.

The best defence against consumer-targeted credit card scams are consumers just like you. Being aware of potential scams and taking steps to avoid becoming a victim are the surest ways to keep your credit card information safe. Don’t rely on anyone else to do it for you.