Debit and credit cards have become popular in recent times as more people have begun to prefer using cards or other digital payment methods over cash. Though a convenient mode of payment, cards are still at risk of forgery and scams just like other ways of making transactions. Nevertheless, there are ways through which you can prevent yourself from getting scammed by fake credit cards and debit cards. We have listed some common spots and signs that you can look out for to verify that your card is not fake.
Asymmetrical Numbers
Debit and credit cards have evenly spaced numbers which are placed in a straight line. However, fake credit cards and debit cards often have asymmetrically placed numbers with irregular spacing between them. This is usually because of the embossing machine that the counterfeiters use which imprints each digit separately due to which there are differences in the placement and even sizes of the card numbers.
Mismatched Card Number and Issuer
Genuine credit and ATM cards have certain digits at the beginning of their numbers. These digits act as an indicator of which card issuer that card belongs to. Major card issuers with their corresponding initial card digits are as follows:
- Visa: 4
- Mastercard: 5
- American Express (Amex): 37 or 34
- Discover: 6
Some scammers do not pay attention to such details and produce mock cards without matching the card issuer logo and the starting digits of the card number. So, to avoid becoming a victim of fraud, you must check whether or not the card number and the issuer match.
Damaged Magnetic Strip
A damaged magnetic strip is another indicator of fake credit cards and debit cards. The magnetic strip contains data which is configured according to the card details. But many times the defrauders fail to coordinate this date and in turn scratch, damage, demagnetise or even remove the magnetic strip. Due to this, the strip becomes non-functional and cannot be swiped which forces the cashier to enter the card number manually to carry out the transaction that later turns out to be fraudulent.
Missing CVV
CVV or the Card Verification Value is a unique 3 or 4 digit security code that is assigned to each card. It is either present at the back or front of the card, depending on the card type and is essential to prevent wrongful transactions. If CVV is missing, then it might mean that you have a fake debit or credit card.
Odd Hologram or Signature Strip
Genuine cards have a brand hologram sticker on them based on their issuer to prove their authenticity. These may be embedded on the front or back and are usually three-dimensional. A dull, two-dimensional, or damaged hologram can be another sign of a fake credit or debit card.
Similarly, a signature panel or strip must be present on the back of the card to prove that it is not forged. If this strip is not made of a different material than the card and is not white in colour, then the card may be a forged one.
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Invalid Expiry Date
Generally, the card expires after 3 to 4 years from its date of issuance. So, it is also advised to check whether the card has a valid expiry date or not. For instance, if any card was issued to you in 2023, but the expiration date is either gone past, very soon, or even a lot further than 5 years, then it is probably a fake one.
Different Numbers on Card and Receipt
If the card looks genuine, then there is another factor that you must check to verify whether you have fake debit cards and credit cards or not. You can carry out a transaction using your card and then compare the last four digits of the card number present on the card to those printed on the transaction receipt. If the digits do not match then it is probably a counterfeit card.
Conclusion
You must try to look out for the pointers and spots discussed above whenever you are offered any debit or credit card. If you find any issue with these, then you must immediately inform your card provider of the same and file a complaint. If any fraudulent transactions have already been made, then you can also dispute them.
