Protect Yourself from Credit Card Fraud

Learn essential strategies to safeguard your financial information and respond effectively to potential threats.

Person concerned about potential credit card fraud while using smartphone

$28.6B

Lost to fraud in 2022

2.8M

Fraud reports filed

1 in 4

Adults affected by fraud

Common Types of Credit Card Fraud

Understanding different fraud methods helps you stay vigilant and protect your finances.

💳

Card Skimming

Criminals use devices to steal card information from ATMs, gas pumps, or card readers.

  • Check for loose or suspicious card readers
  • Cover your PIN when entering it
  • Use contactless payments when possible
📧

Phishing Scams

Fraudsters send fake emails or texts to trick you into revealing personal information.

  • Never click links in suspicious emails
  • Verify sender identity independently
  • Banks never ask for passwords via email
🛒

Online Shopping Fraud

Fake websites and sellers steal payment information during online purchases.

  • Shop only on secure (HTTPS) websites
  • Verify seller reputation and reviews
  • Use secure payment methods
📞

Phone Scams

Scammers call pretending to be from banks or government agencies to steal information.

  • Never give personal info over the phone
  • Hang up and call the official number
  • Be wary of urgent or threatening language
📱

Mobile Payment Fraud

Criminals exploit vulnerabilities in mobile payment apps and digital wallets.

  • Enable two-factor authentication
  • Keep apps updated
  • Use strong, unique passwords
🆔

Identity Theft

Thieves steal personal information to open new accounts or make unauthorized purchases.

  • Monitor credit reports regularly
  • Secure personal documents
  • Shred sensitive paperwork

Essential Prevention Strategies

Implement these security measures to significantly reduce your risk of becoming a fraud victim.

🔒

Secure Your Cards

Never leave cards unattended, sign the back immediately, and report lost cards instantly.

👀

Monitor Statements

Review bank and credit card statements weekly for unauthorized transactions.

🌐

Safe Online Shopping

Only shop on secure websites, avoid public Wi-Fi for transactions, and use virtual card numbers.

📊

Credit Monitoring

Check your credit report annually and consider credit monitoring services.

Security spelled out in wooden letter tiles

Warning Signs of Credit Card Fraud

Recognize these red flags early to minimize damage and protect your finances.

🚨 Immediate Red Flags

  • Unexpected charges on your statement
  • Missing credit card statements
  • Calls about purchases you didn't make
  • Declined transactions on valid cards
  • Unfamiliar accounts on credit reports

💡 Suspicious Activities

  • Small test charges before larger ones
  • Multiple small transactions
  • Charges from unfamiliar locations
  • Subscription services you didn't sign up for
  • Cash advances you didn't make

📧 Communication Warning Signs

  • Urgent emails requesting account verification
  • Calls claiming your account is compromised
  • Requests for passwords or PINs
  • Pressure to act immediately
  • Poor grammar or spelling in official communications
Confused person holding credit card and looking at phone

What to Do If You're a Victim

Act quickly to minimize damage and protect your financial future.

1

Contact Your Bank Immediately

Call the fraud hotline on your card (available 24/7) to report suspicious activity and freeze your account.

2

File a Police Report

Report the fraud to local law enforcement to create an official record of the crime.

3

Contact Credit Bureaus

Place fraud alerts on your credit reports with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

4

Document Everything

Keep records of all communications, reports filed, and steps taken to resolve the fraud.

5

Monitor Your Accounts

Check all financial accounts regularly and review credit reports frequently for several months.

Helpful Resources

Important contacts and tools to help you stay protected and get assistance when needed.

📞

Emergency Contacts

FTC Fraud Hotline: 1-877-FTC-HELP
Identity Theft Hotline: 1-877-ID-THEFT
Social Security Fraud: 1-800-269-0271
🏦

Credit Bureaus

Experian: 1-888-397-3742
Equifax: 1-800-685-1111
TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800
📱

Mobile Apps

Credit Karma Free credit monitoring
myFICO Official FICO scores
Bank Mobile Apps Real-time alerts
Cybersecurity expert working on laptop in secure environment

Expert Security Recommendations

🔐 Use Strong Authentication

Enable two-factor authentication on all financial accounts and use unique, complex passwords for each account.

📱 Secure Your Devices

Keep your phone and computer updated, use screen locks, and avoid financial transactions on public Wi-Fi.

🎯 Stay Informed

Follow security blogs, sign up for fraud alerts from your banks, and stay updated on the latest scam techniques.

🛡️ Regular Security Audits

Review your privacy settings, check for data breaches affecting your accounts, and update security practices regularly.