How to protect yourself from credit card fraud in 2025

Have you faced credit card fraud and don’t know what to do next? 

Well, in our digital world, credit cards provide a lot of convenience when using them, but they come at risk. Online transactions, conducting less payments through credit cards, and digitally stored wallets are making it a perfect landscape for fraud in the different forms undertaken by criminals today. 

As per recent report during April-September 2023-24, there were 12,069 cases of credit card fraud, involving Rs 630 crore, a significant increase from the 2,321 cases involving Rs 87 crore in the same period the previous year [Source: Forbes].  

Did you know? In 2025, fraudsters are using advanced techniques like AI-generated phishing emails, fake e-commerce websites, and even deepfake voice calls to scam people. 

So how do you protect yourself? In this WeCredit blog, we will discover all these details on how credit card fraud works and learns an extremely easy yet powerful means to protect yourself as we enter into the year 2025. 

What is Credit Card Fraud? 

Credit card fraud happens when a person uses your card or related information without your permission to make purchases or withdraw money. This could happen through: 

• Physical cards that are stolen 

• Hacked online accounts 

• Phishing emails or messages 

• Fake payment gateways 

• Merchant data breaches 

With digital scams evolving, being aware is your first line of defence. 

10 Tips for Effective Credit Card Management

Common Types of Credit Card Fraud in 2025 

• Phishing Scams – Fake emails or messages that fool you into giving away your card details. 

• Skimming Devices – Concealed devices at ATMs or payment machines, used to capture card data. 

• Fake Shopping Websites – Fraudsters create lookalike websites only for the purpose of stealing card information at the checkout. 

• Account Takeover – Hackers break into the card-linked accounts and change login details. 

• SIM Swap Fraud – Scammers normally transfer phone numbers, so OTP can be bypassed. 

• Deepfake Voice Scams – AI replicating fake voices imitates banks or relatives, in order to gain an OTP or PIN. 

How to Protect Yourself from Credit Card Fraud 

• Enable Transaction Alerts – Whenever a card transaction occurs, alerts should be sent to your phone via SMS and also to your email, so that you will be aware instantly in case of any doubtful transaction. 

• Use Only Secure and Verified Websites – Whenever you enter any card details, check the address bar: it should read “https://” and must contain a lock symbol. It is better not to shop from unknown or dubious websites. 

• Never Share OTPs or PINs – Banks do not ask for OTPs or PINs from customers over calls, messages, or emails. Never share your OTP or PIN with others, no matter how urgent it sounds. 

• Activate Two-Factor Authentication – Add another security layer to your banking apps and digital wallets via biometric logins or one-time codes.  

• Use Virtual Cards for Online Shopping – Many banks now offer virtual cards for online purchases. These cards have short validity and thus prevent misuse of your actual card number.  

• Change Passwords Every Few Months – Change your passwords, especially for banking and shopping apps, once every few months. Each account must have a strong and unique password. 

• Keep Your Devices Safe – Keep antivirus software on, and avoid public Wi-Fi for transactions. Hackers can easily gain access to your information via unprotected networks.  

• Review Statements Regularly – Go through your statements every week. In case of any charge that seems foreign even if it’s a small sum report it immediately. 

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud 

• Block Your Card Immediately – Either through your banking app or by the call to customer service. 

• Report Fraud – Report to the bank and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. 

• Track All Your Transactions – Keep an eye on recent activity and change your passwords. 

• Request a new one – Get a new card from your bank with a fresh number and PIN. 

Conclusion

While this credit card fraud is continuing to rise every day in 2025, do not worry because you are not going to fall prey to it. Awareness, alertness, and smart habits could keep your finances protected. 

Keep in mind that you are your best defence at all times. So always be careful with any kind of financial information sharing and trust only authentic sources and platforms. 

At WeCredit, we believe in educating users about finances and giving them the necessary tools for a safe future. So be smart, be safe, and keep your credit protected.