October 1, 2015, was the deadline for retailers and credit card issuers to switch over to using the new EMV credit cards, which contain a chip that’s meant to fight fraud by generating and encrypting a new code each time the card is used.
Read more: What to know about the new EMV chip credit cards
And now that many Americans have received their new chip-enabled card, scammers have found a new way to bring back an old scam.
The scam
Scammers are contacting people by email — posing as their credit card company — and informing them that their card is ready, but in order to get it, they need to update their account or confirm some personal information — by clicking on a link to do so.
Do not click the link and do not respond with personal information.
Never click on a link in an email you weren’t expecting. If your bank needs any additional information, you should be able to log in to your account separately from an email and find out. You can also call the bank to find out if you need to provide any more information in order to get your new card.
For more on protecting your identity and personal information, check out Clark’s Identity Theft Guide.
