The menace of Credit Card scams has hit India with many thousands of Credit card users being cheated and left with huge losses. It is significant to comprehend these scams and how to safeguard oneself from falling for the tricks. Here are ten common credit card scams in India and ways to avoid them: 

1. Phishing Scams: These are messages received in one’s mail or via text messages on the phone, purporting to come from genuine banking institutions and request details of credit cards. It is always wise to disregard the message, or at least do not reply immediately but double check on the authenticity of the sender of the mail. 

2. Skimming Devices: Successful fraudsters place skimming devices on the ATMs or POS such that they can capture the card information. Avoid responding to emails with attachments and use ATMs in areas with the highest security. 

3. Vishing: This is normally done through a phone call whereby the scammer imitates to be a representative from the bank and asks for card details, in the pretense of checking transaction records. Never give card details through the telephone, unless you are the one placing a call and only to a verified bank number. 

4. Malware Attacks: Unwittingly following links on websites, or downloading unsafe applications may lead to having malware that steals data from your credit card. Set up good antiviral software and refrain from clicking on doubtful pop-up links. 

5. Fake Websites: The hackers develop fake e-shopping sites whereby the victims submit their credit card details to the fake websites. The website URL should start with “https” and research whether the site has negative comments from customers before transacting. 

6. SIM Swap Scam: They get a duplicate SIM card either by manipulating the telecom company into surrendering the OTPs and banking details. Check your mobile network often and if there’s any strange behavior on the network side, then immediately, you have to report it to the provider. 

7. Online Shopping Fraud: Phone advertisements on social media sites and pages, or maybe on other random websites that the web users do not trust end up duping individuals into inputting their credit card details. Always, but always shop in reputable stores only, and use only the reliable online payment system.

8. Reward Points Scam: To explain the last type, fraudsters pretend to be coming from the bank to redeem reward points for cash, in the process asking for card details. Immediately, reject the offer and directly get in touch with your bank through official communication means. 

9. Over-the-Shoulder Attack: In public areas, they might read a number you key in, be it a PIN, tracking your every move. Especially, when entering the PIN, never reveal the keypad and be always looking around. 

10. Card Not Received: This is a type of credit card fraud whereby some thugs usually rip new or replacement credit cards sent by mail to a person. If you do not receive the card in the stipulated time, then you should contact your bank. 

 Preventive Measures: 

• Awareness and Education: The first step you should take is ensuring that you are an informed citizen and probably the government should always ensure that citizens have this information about the latest cons. These include public awareness launching, campaigns, workshops, and online tutorials to ensure that there is a cyber-savvy population. 
• Enhanced Cybersecurity: Ensure you are using very hard and completely distinct passwords for your various accounts, ensure you activate two-factor authentications on your accounts, and also ensure that your software and operating systems are updated regularly. 
• Secure Online Transactions: One should always use and recommend reliable payment systems and one should not provide personal information on sites with weak security. Secure payment gateways should be adopted by businesses while regularly evaluating the business’s systems for any risks. 

However, with the above security measures put in place, and also ensuring you do not fall victim to being phished, then you’ll avoid fraudulent credit card usage.