How to Protect Your Bank Card Data

What are the ways fraudsters extract bank card data?

Fraudsters often trick people into entering their bank card details on fraudulent platforms. One of the most common schemes involves online buying and selling. For example, when someone posts an item for sale on an online marketplace, fraudsters—often using automated systems—quickly contact the seller. 

They come up with various stories: they claim to live abroad and say they'll return in two months, but in the meantime want to leave a prepayment for the item. Or they pretend to be in another city, such as Kapan, and ask the seller in Yerevan to send the product via delivery.

To make their claims seem legitimate, they send links to fake websites that closely resemble payment platforms or delivery services. These websites are designed to trick you into entering your bank card details, which the fraudsters then steal.

What to Look Out For

If someone claims the delivery is from a specific company (e.g. Company X), always check the official website address of that company and compare it with the one you were sent. Even the smallest discrepancy means you're likely dealing with fraudsters—never enter your personal or card details on such websites.

When selling a product, the only detail you need to share for a buyer to transfer money is the 16-digit number of your card, and only in text format. There is absolutely no need to take a photo of your card or provide the CVV code (the 3-digit number on the back). If someone asks for this, end the conversation immediately—they are definitely scammers.

Fraudsters will use any trick to get your personal information. A common tactic is to send fake links claiming that you have a package waiting, and you just need to pay a small amount to receive it. In such cases, always double-check the real website of the company supposedly handling the delivery and examine all details carefully. And if you’re not expecting a package, don’t click the link at all.

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