Steps to protect against credit card fraud
1. Demand a new replacement credit and debit card if yours was compromised.
2. Check your bank account register and credit card activity online
3. Be alert for post-breach phishing attempts.
4. Lock down your credit report with a security freeze
5. Get as many as free credit reports per year
6. Change your passwords regularly
If you think you may be at risk:
- Immediately go online to your credit card’s website to check for recent activity. You don’t have to wait for your statement. Most credit card companies will show you recent transactions, sometimes immediately after they occur. If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately to the company.
- Call your credit card company to ask about a fraud alert. That will cause them to take extra precautions before anyone can open an account in your name.
- Ask the bank or credit card company what free services they offer to people whose information may have been breached. This could include a free fraud alert service, free access to your credit report.
Tips for safe shopping:
- Review your bank and credit card statements frequently for unusual transactions.
- In the event of a security breach involving your credit card, monitor your account and contact your bank promptly if you see any suspicious transactions.
- If the security breach involves your debit card, the best way to protect yourself is to immediately cancel the card and get a replacement with a different number.
- Don’t make purchases in free Wi-Fi hotspots, such as a coffee shop, which can put your passwords and other information at risk.
- Shop on secure websites. One indicator about which websites are safe, and which are not, is the presence of a yellow padlock icon in the browser bar. Another indicator is ‘https’ in the web address.
- Never send sensitive personal or financial information through e-mail. Legitimate companies will not ask you to do so because it is not a secure way to transfer sensitive information.
- If you are receiving text messages on your cell phone saying you have won a prize or gift card, do not click on the link in the message – it is most likely a scam and may install a virus on your phone.
- Know the return policies of the retailers you shop with before you leave the store or conclude an online transaction. Many retailers will give you a refund if you have a receipt and your return is prompt, but some may only give store credit. Ask a clerk if the policy is not posted at the register.
