Beware of Credit Card Texting Scams

Don't panic if you get a text message stating that there's a problem with your credit card or that it's been deactivated. Chances are that everything is fine with your card. The message you received is likely a scam.

Bill Hardekopf, CEO of credit card comparison site LowCards.com, says that there is a common texting scam that prompts people to call a number to solve an alleged problem with their credit cards. If you call, you'll be asked to enter your credit card number. At that point, you'll be handing over valuable information to scammers.

Hardekopf recommends that you take the following steps to protect yourself against this and other texting scams:

Do not reply to unfamiliar texts. Any response will let scammers know that they've reached an active phone number.

Check with your card company if you suspect there is a problem. Even if you've signed up to receive text messages from your card company or bank, call the number printed on the back of your credit or debit card. The text message you receive might look legitimate but could be a scam.

Ask your cell phone provider to block the number from which the scam texts originate.

Forward spam texts to 7726 (or SPAM). This service provided by wireless carriers allows you to report numbers from which spam is sent. The carriers collect this information to identify spammers and take action against them, Hardekopf says.

Download apps to help detect scam texts and calls. For example, the NumberCop app lets you search suspicious phone numbers to see if they've been reported as spam or scams and lets you report complaints about suspicious texts from your phone.

Complain to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.