Card Cracking Scams

Offers promising "easy money" in exchange for your card information

This scam is often directed at younger people who are contacted or approached by someone asking for their credit or debit card number, with the promise of being able to keep some of the money if they will cash a check for them. Instead, the perpetrator gives the victim a fraudulent or stolen check and then uses the card information to withdraw funds from the members account or purchase money orders. This type of fraud has an additional danger: as these checks are sometimes stolen or forged, by agreeing to the fraudster’s scheme you could face legal liability for participating even if you end up being a victim as well. If someone proposes a venture that seems shady or explicitly says it’s an illegal scheme, you should ignore or report them.

Here are some tips to help keep you safe:

• Do not respond to online offers promising "easy money." Card cracking ads may seem like a swift, secure means to earn extra cash, but remember, easy money is seldom legal money. Stay cautious and refrain from responding to such solicitations.
• Never share your account or PIN number. Sharing this information puts you at risk of potential fraud. Keep it private at all times.
• Do not file false fraud claims with your financial institution. Filing such claims makes you an accomplice to fraud. As financial institutions enhance card-cracking detection methods, any suspicious claims are subject to thorough investigation.
• Alert social platfors about suspicious posts associated with scams. If you spot potentially fraudulent content, use the drop-down menu near the post on the social media site to report it promptly.

It is also always a good idea to file a fraud report with the FTC whenever you’re a victim.

To learn more, please visit reportfraud.ftc.gov

Additional Resources:

• Enrich Article: Identity Theft Scams You Need to Know
• Webinar Recording: ID Theft Prevention