By simply snatching recipes, stealing information over the web or employing texts or email, scammers can devastate working families, leaving them with copious amounts of debt. Don’t let these scammers take you off guard. Here are some popular credit card scams to look out for, and how to protect yourself against them:

The Fake Freeze:

The Scam: scammers will send you an “emergency text” saying that there’s a problem with your account, that it has been frozen and that you need to call a certain number. If you call back, you’ll be prompted to enter your card number and other card information. What’s really happening, however, is that crooks are collecting information so that they can use your card.

How to Avoid it: don’t use the phone number that someone gives you in an email, text or phone call in this situation. Go right to the source. Look up the card contact information from a monthly statement, on the back of the card, etc. and call to find out what, if anything, is going on.

“Come to Our Spoof Site!”:

The Scam: you receive an email from your bank, PayPal or a favorite store telling you that there’s a problem with your account, there’s been a security breach, or your order is ready and to click on “this link” to pay or get more info. The site will most likely be a scam.

How to Avoid it: it’s as easy as hitting the delete button. Go to the actual website on your own instead of clicking the link to see what’s going on.

Arm yourself against scammers by reading more at MSN Money’s Be wary of these 9 credit card scams.