This 16-digit number on the front of your card holds a lot of information about the cardholder and their account. A credit card account number also includes a checksum, a single digit that allows banks or merchants to check if the account number is valid through a specific algorithm.

Checksums prevent scammers from creating phony credit card numbers and catch errors when consumers input their account numbers. Always make sure that your account number matches the number on the sales receipt.

You can also do your part by following recommended security tips to stay scam proof.