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How to Spot a Fake Credit Card
Posted on Tuesday, August 27th, 2024 | By IndusInd Bank
Credit cards have become an indispensable part of present-day life. They provide a convenient way to make payments and access credit, increasing their popularity in the country. The most recent data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) indicates that the total number of credit cards in the system was 100.60 million as of February 2024.
However, as credit card usage has increased, so has credit card fraud. Fraudsters use various techniques to create fake credit cards that resemble real ones. Being able to identify a counterfeit credit card can help you avoid becoming a victim of credit card fraud. This article provides a detailed guide on how to spot a fake credit card.
Examine the Physical Card
A genuine credit card is made of durable plastic material and has a smooth, consistent finish. It feels sturdy when held. Some key aspects to inspect on the physical card include:
- Texture – A fake credit card may feel flimsy or rough. Run your fingers along the edges to feel for inconsistencies.
- Rigidity – Try bending the card slightly to check its stiffness. A real card will be rigid and resistant to bending.
- Embossing – Carefully inspect the embossed numbers. They should be clear, evenly spaced and aligned on an actual card. Irregular spacing implies a forged card.
- Holograms – All major credit cards have holograms that are hard to duplicate. Tilt the card and look for a distinct, three-dimensional holographic image.
- Logos – Check if the logos, issuer names, and symbols look accurate and professionally printed. Fake logos often appear uneven, blurred, or pixelated.
- Magnetic strip -A genuine magnetic strip is smooth, firmly attached and colour-wise uniform. It shouldn’t be peeling off or damaged.
Examine the Numbers
Credit card numbers follow certain patterns set by the issuing networks like Visa, MasterCard, etc.
- First digit – The first digit identifies the card network. For instance, 4 = Visa, 5 = MasterCard. Verify that the first number matches the logo. Fake credit card numbers may not match this.
- Length – Check if the card number has the standard 16 digits for Visa/MasterCard or 15 for American Express.
- Spacing – Numbers on an actual card have uniform spacing. Irregular spacing is a red flag.
- Alignment – Numbers on counterfeits may not be perfectly aligned or evenly sized.
Verify Security Features
- CVV code – Fake credit cards rarely have a properly printed security code. The 3-digit CVV should be clear and well-defined.
- Expiration date – Check if the expiration date is logically valid and not expired. Also, see if it matches the issue/valid date.
- Signature panel – Apart from a clear signature strip, ensure it is properly placed with accurate font and printing.
- Microprinting – Many cards have microprinting around the edges and under the account number. It’s almost impossible to duplicate. Use a magnifying glass to inspect.
- Chip – All modern credit cards have an embedded microchip. Avoid cards with damaged chips or no chips at all.
One effective way to avoid fakecredit cards is to apply for credit card directly through the official website of a reputable bank. IndusInd Bank offers a wide range of credit cards with attractive benefits like reward points, fuel surcharge waivers, complimentary lounge access, travel privileges, EMI conversion, and enhanced security features.
You can conveniently apply online through a 100% digital process and get instant approval. Applying through the official IndusInd Bank website ensures customers get legitimate cards that provide maximum rewards, savings, and convenience across travel, dining, shopping and other transactions.
Also Read: Learn About Instant Approval Credit Cards
The Bottom Line
Scrutinising a card’s physical qualities along with verifying the printed details can help reveal mostfake CCs. If you remain vigilant and learn how to spot counterfeit cards, you can detect fraudulent transactions and reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Being able to identify fake credit cards gives you a significant layer of protection against credit card scams.
Apply now for an IndusInd Bank Credit Card!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is generic and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your circumstances. Hence, you are advised to consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision. IndusInd Bank Limited (IBL) does not influence the views of the author in any way. IBL and the author shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for making any financial decisions based on the contents and information.