Credit card scams are taking place with greater frequency across the country. Here are two of the most often used scams.

1. The first scam involves travelers using credit cards at hotels, restaurants, or retail stores. Recent credit card security alerts say some dishonest clerks are using the video cameras in their cell phones to record the credit card numbers.
   
   The dishonest clerk takes a customer’s credit card, swipes it, and then lays it on the counter while awaiting approval. They then pick up a cell phone and pretend to dial someone. But they have actually pressed the button on their phone to take a picture of the card on the counter. The trick can be detected when a chime sounds on the phone a few seconds later, indicating that a picture has been taken.
   
   
2. Another scam involves clerks at restaurants and other establishments who switch a customer’s card with the expired card of another person. The clerk hides your card under the counter and then gives you a similar card in someone else’s name that has expired. They are expecting that you will not look closely at your card when it is returned with the receipt folded over it.
   
   Pay close attention to how your credit card is handled by store clerks. Don’t let your guard down. Say something to the clerk if you believe a picture has been taken of your credit card. Also, before securing your card after it has been returned to you, check closely to ensure you have received your own.