![]() When you discover a fraudulent charge, call your credit card issuer right away to report the unauthorized charge. What to Do When Credit Card Information Is Stolen Whenever possible, do not use unsecured networks to make purchases or access personal data. For additional security and some protection against unencrypted websites, you can use a VPN (virtual private network) service, which encrypts your internet traffic between your computer and the VPN provider. Both Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge will display a padlock in the address bar if a site uses encryption. If you must use a public Wi-Fi network, make sure that the website you are using is secure. Public Wi-Fi NetworksĪlthough virtually all financial institutions and most ecommerce websites use encryption, be extra cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks. If you’re ever suspicious of a link from your bank, opening a new browser window and going to your bank’s website instead of clicking on a link in an email is your safest bet. Don’t open links found in spam or other questionable emails. Never provide personal information or account credentials in response to an unsolicited phone call or email. These types of messages trick the unknowing into providing names, dates of birth, credit card numbers and other personal information. Or you may receive a call about an “emergency” requiring proof of identity. ![]() Phishing Emails and Callsįraudsters may send fake, official-looking emails from banks or large retail stores asking you to click a link or call a phone number and give out personal information like account credentials or your Social Security number. It also may be worthwhile to employ an identity theft protection service to help do this work for you. If you learn about a breach, you should change account numbers, monitor your credit reports and be on alert for someone using your information to impersonate or trick you into giving up personal information like bank account credentials. If your information is stolen in a data breach, you will probably only find out if the breached company notifies you. Not only do banks store account numbers and names, they also store dates of birth, Social Security numbers, ID numbers, addresses and credit card numbers-everything a thief needs to compromise an identity. Many retailers, loyalty programs, websites and other organizations hold pieces of your personal information, but your bank probably has the most information about you that is of interest to someone seeking to steal your identity. Data breaches are usually the result of activities conducted by sophisticated, experienced and well-organized cybercriminals. Large banks and other businesses sometimes suffer from data breaches. If your card is skimmed, you won’t know your information has been stolen until a fraudulent charge appears on your account. Chip technology has disrupted the success of this method, but it’s still possible for a thief to copy card information, store it and use it later to make fraudulent purchases. Skimmers are most frequently found at publicly accessible credit card readers like the ones on self-serve pumps at gas stations but have also been found at other less-monitored locations or at checkout counters in retail stores. ![]() Some credit card thieves install skimmers on card readers. It’s also possible to place a hold on a credit card if you believe the card was simply misplaced, but still want to be protected. If you lose your credit card or have it stolen, contact the issuer right away to have the card number changed and the card replaced. A new card can also be stolen from your mailbox before you have an opportunity to get to it. Losing a wallet or having a credit card pickpocketed is always a possibility, especially while traveling. Theft of a physical credit card can happen several ways. Card information can be stolen in a number of ways, from physical card theft to cybercrime.
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