Credit card theft today is fast and quiet. Criminals often design their attacks so you don’t notice anything until it’s too late. One growing scam works like this: thieves steal your card information, place an online order for in-store pickup, and then flood your email inbox with hundreds of junk subscriptions. This “email bombing” hides the store’s confirmation messages until after the order has been picked up.

This type of fraud can happen with any credit or debit card. The good news is that when you understand how the scam works — and how to block the weak spots — you can greatly reduce your risk.

How Criminals Pull Off This Scam

Most attacks follow the same basic steps:

1. Your card details are stolen
   Your information might be exposed through a breached website, a card skimmer, malware, or a reused password. The Federal Trade Commission has helpful resources if you’ve been affected by a data breach.
2. The attacker places a fast pickup order
   Same-day pickup services are a favorite target. Retailers don’t all follow the same verification rules, and criminals take advantage of these gaps.
3. They “email bomb” your inbox
   Automated tools sign your email address up for dozens or even hundreds of newsletters. These junk messages bury real purchase notifications. By the time you notice the legitimate email, the thief has already collected the order.

Why This Scam Works

Even though the crime involves a credit card, the real weak spot is often the online account linked to it. Criminals look for:

• Weak or reused passwords
• Old retailer accounts storing card information
• Unsecured email logins
• Saved credentials inside browsers
• Outdated devices or apps

For insights into common attack paths, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency’s recommendations on excellent guidance on account security.

Because these attacks are automated and fast, they’re designed to beat you to your own inbox.

How mSecure Helps Protect You

A password manager like mSecure closes many of the digital gaps criminals use.

Strong, unique passwords

Many credit card fraud cases begin with an account takeover. mSecure prevents this by generating and storing strong, unique passwords across your digital life.

Encrypted storage

Your card numbers, PINs, and financial logins belong in an encrypted vault – not in emails, screenshots, notes apps, or browser autofill.

Read our support article here, to learn how mSecure keeps your data safe.

Password health insights

mSecure helps identify weak, reused, or old passwords so you can fix issues before they lead to fraud.

Simple Ways to Prevent This Type of Fraud

Improving your digital habits goes a long way. here are some high-impact steps:

• Use mSecure to secure passwords and sensitive information.
• Enable two-factor authentication, especially for email and financial accounts.
• Turn on purchase alerts from your bank or card issuer.
• Removed saved cards from old retailer accounts.
• Treat sudden email floods as a warning sign and check card activity immediately.
• Keep your devices updated to reduce malware risks.
  These steps close the loophole criminals rely on.

Final Thoughts

Credit card theft today is less about guessing numbers and more about exploiting weak digital habits. Criminals rely on speed and distraction – but mSecure helps you take back control. By securing your logins, encrypting your sensitive information, and tightening your digital defenses, you dramatically reduce the risk of modern card fraud.

Protect your accounts, and protect your cards. Explore how mSecure can help.