How To Spot Credit Card Scams

Credit card scams are more common that people know. Often time, companies prey on consumers who have bad credit or less than perfect credit. For many, creditors are not knocking down your door, offering you a great deal on a credit card.

The unfortunate thing is the offers from these credit card companies seem like legitimate offers. Usually the credit company will give you offers that include astronomically high interest rates, steep fees and other crazy terms.

These companies are hoping that you are trying to repair your damaged credit and want the conveniences of carrying a credit card with you. So what they do is mail out offers that look like legitimate offers for either a MasterCard or Visa. They first let you know that you have been pre-approved. Then they really get your attention by offering you a pre-approved credit card with a $5000 line of credit that requires no security deposit. In actuality they are usually credit cards that can be used at only specific catalogue clubs or store clubs.

This may sound too good to be true. If you are desperate for a credit card of your own, you are ready to jump on any offer that arrives in the mail. Therefore, it is important that you read the fine print when such offers arrive in the mail. Look thoroughly over the offer before making a commitment to it.

Most credit card scams start with a great opening line like, "you have been pre approved for a MasterCard with up to a $5,000 credit limit". They try to make it sound very simple. They ask you to check the printed information on the application and make sure all the information is correct. Then just sign the application and mail it back to them. Then they will verify your personal information and promptly mail out your new credit card.

If you have carefully read over their documents you have realized that this is not a regular MasterCard. This card is limited to purchasing items that are from either their online store or at a special online catalogue. You will not be able to purchase anything else by using this card. Meaning you cannot go to a local restaurant and charge your meal. What the online stores generally sell is off brand products like electronics or household items.

The usual catch to the scam can be found by further reading the offer. They usually require you to mail them a money order for $299 to activate the offer. They usually offer reassurances that you will get that money back with special offers or discounts from the company when you make your first purchase on your new credit card. Annual fees of additional hundreds of dollars are also added to the credit cards by some of the companies out there, and that is on top of the of the extremely high activation fee. Hopefully the more you read the less appealing the offer sounds.

Remember that these offers always include extremely high interest rates. Some companies will charge you rates of up to 45%. So it is vital that with all credit card offers you receive that you read all the fine print.

One of the best things you can do when you receive an offer like this, is throw it away. Instead, use the money it would take to activate the card and spend it on obtaining a secured credit card. With a security deposit, you can easily obtain a MasterCard or Visa. This is a great way to begin repairing your credit, since such companies report to the major credit bureaus. Be sure to keep all of this in mind the next time you walk out to your mailbox and see a credit card offer waiting for you.

Article Source: http://www.articles.ask-me-about.com

Browse our credit card article web site For further free information on where to grab the most cost affective credit cards. We all desire credit card hints, Our site specialises in giving out hints
also advice on electing the best credit cards including how to obtain the lowest exchange rates.
Click here to get your own unique version of this article from the Unique Articles Submissions Service