A credit card scam is when someone tries to trick you into giving away your card details or uses them without your permission. Scammers often pretend to be from trusted companies or banks, and they can be very convincing.
Some common credit card scams include:
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts — it’s better to check than to ignore it.
If you think you’ve been caught in a scam, don’t panic — there are steps you can take to get help and protect your money.
Most banking apps now let you freeze your credit card instantly. This can stop anyone from making more payments while you figure out what’s happened. Log into your app and look for the option to lock, freeze or block your card.
Even if you’re not 100% sure it’s a scam, it’s better to act fast — you can always unfreeze the card later.
Once your card is frozen, call your card provider as soon as possible. Use the number on the back of your card (or look it up on their official website if your card is missing). Let them know:
They can cancel your card, investigate the scam, and may be able to refund any money taken.
In the UK, you can report scams online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. They’ll pass your report on to the police and use the information to help stop scammers targeting others.
In many cases, yes — especially if you acted quickly.
Your credit card provider will usually refund you if:
Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, your credit card provider is jointly responsible with the retailer if something goes wrong with a purchase — as long as the item or service cost between £100 and £30,000.
This means you can claim a refund directly from your credit card provider if the company you bought from:
Section 75 can apply whether the scammer was pretending to be a retailer, or you bought something that never arrived. It’s a strong layer of protection — and one of the reasons why many people prefer using credit cards for online purchases.
If your transaction doesn’t qualify for Section 75 — for example, if the amount is under £100 — you might still be able to use chargeback. This is a voluntary scheme where your card provider asks the seller’s bank to return your money.
While not a legal right like Section 75, chargeback can still be very effective, especially for smaller amounts or debit card payments.
💡Tip: If your card provider refuses to help and you’re not happy with their response, you can contact the Financial Ombudsman Service. They offer free, impartial help and can step in if needed.
Knowing what to look for can help stop scams before they happen. Keep an eye out for:
When in doubt, contact your provider directly using official contact details — not the ones in the message.
Here are a few simple steps you can take to reduce your risk:
You’re not alone — many people fall for scams, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
These organisations can help:
Scams can happen to anyone — and there’s no shame in being caught out. What matters is what you do next.
By freezing your card, reporting the scam, and reaching out to your credit card provider, you’ve already taken important steps to protect yourself. And with tools like Section 75 and chargeback, you may be able to get your money back too.
Remember:
Most importantly, don’t let one scam shake your confidence. With the right support, you can move forward feeling safer and more in control of your money.
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure content is correct when published. Information on this website doesn't constitute financial advice, and we aren't responsible for the content of any external sites.
Fiona is a personal finance writer with over 7 years’ experience writing for a broad range of industries before joining Ocean in 2021. She uses her wealth of experience to turn the overwhelming aspects of finance into articles that are easy to understand.
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