Whether you’re using a credit card for the first time or have been using it for years, you should be aware of the many different scams you can possibly get exposed to. While most credit card companies have excellent reputation, there are also an equal number of shady ones out to get your money.

If you are totally naive of the ways in which these crooks operate, then you can wind up as one of their victims. Below are three of the worst yet most common credit card scams. Study them so you don’t get ripped-off.

Suspension of debt service

Banks sometimes provide debt suspension offers as a service to “assist” you to be up-to-date with your card payments. In this scheme, you need to pay a fixed monthly amount so in the event you fail to pay your bills, interest will not accrue throughout this period.

While this sounds too good to be true initially, the scheme really aims to fleece its victim. You’re disallowed to use your card if you’re unemployed, and while no interest has accumulated, your balance stays unpaid and you still have to pay it when you find work again. What happened is you’ve been paying for something that won’t be of much use to you.

If you plan to get a credit card, be doubly sure that there’s no debt suspension service that will add to your payments. If there is, then have it stricken out and go sign up with an independent insurance company which will help manage your payments when you’re out of a job.

Upfront fees

This scam is one of the worst there is and the victims are people who are in dire need of a card that has great rates. The “operator” will provide you with such a card but you need to pay an approval or administration fee in advance for your application to be processed.

Once you’ve made the payment, the company will vanish and move on to their next victim. If a card is offered that requires a payment upfront, simply decline. Even with a poor credit you are not required to pay advanced fees for cards. The lender can only either approve or disapprove your application; no fees are needed.

Credit protection

Providing overpriced protection for your credit card if it got stolen or lost is one of the most prevalent rip-offs in circulation. The fee the operators ask for your card’s “safeguard” is very steep yet provides no protection at all.

If you are quick in reporting a stolen credit card, then you don’t stand to lose much, and you are further covered by other consumer laws and insurance. If protection is really needed, then get a standalone policy from another company which can be less expensive and lets you cover all your cards simultaneously.

Getting a credit card requires a lot of checking and understanding of the clauses within the contract before signing. If something seems fishy, then decline the contract and look for another company to deal with. Be sure to know the pitfalls of the game and you’ll eventually find a respectable credit card company where you can get great rates.