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3 Steps to Take When You Suspect Fraud on Your Credit Card

4 min read
Last Updated: January 14, 2026

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

  1. If you see an unfamiliar charge, research it to make sure it’s not an authorized charge billed under a different company name.

  2. When your card issuer detects credit card fraud, they’ll typically freeze your account.

  3. Discover® Identity Theft Protection may be able to help protect your information.

When you see fraudulent activity on your credit card statement, what’s your first reaction? Reach for the phone? Cut up your cards?

 

Unfamiliar charges can show up for a variety of reasons. It could be a fraudulent charge. But it’s also possible that a retailer bills under a different name. Or an authorized user on your card made the purchase without informing you.

 

Whether the card was stolen or not, there are three steps you can take if you notice fraudulent activity.

1. Research first

Before you report fraudulent activity, be sure that the purchase in question isn’t a legitimate one billed under a name you don’t recognize. It might not be a fraudulent transaction after all.

Is the amount of the charge familiar? Can you call the retailer to see how they bill? Or think of a business you know that might bill under a different name?

 

If you can’t confirm the charge, the next step is to speak with any other users who have access to the card, such as other family members on a joint card or an authorized user.

2. Call the card issuer

If you believe the transaction in question indicates fraudulent activity, it’s time to contact your credit card issuer directly. (Don’t go to the merchant in question.)

 

For example, to report fraudulent activity, Discover® cardmembers can call 1-866-240-7938 to talk with a credit card fraud specialist. Anyone can call the customer service number on the back of their credit card, no matter the issuer.

Every issuer has its own procedures for handling fraud concerns, so calling the customer service number on the back of your card is a good place to start. Tell your issuer that the origin of the charge is unknown and that you may be a victim of fraud.

To make things as easy as possible, be sure to have all the details about the unauthorized charge:

  • The name of the retailer
  • The date of purchase
  • The purchase amount

Providing the relevant information will make it easier for your issuer not only to identify the transaction but also to trigger its fraud response actions.

3. What happens next

When fraud is suspected, your issuer typically will freeze your account immediately. This prevents further unauthorized activity. The card issuer’s fraud team will usually open an investigation at this point.

You can expect to be asked to stop using all cards, PINs, and checks associated with your credit card account. Your issuer will provide you with a new card. A temporary credit may be issued to your account while the fraudulent activity is under investigation.

Did you know?

Discover cardmembers have a $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee. You’re never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card account.1

It may also be a good idea to put a fraud alert on your credit report. That way, you can make it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Contact a major credit bureau to start this process. You can also report credit card fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC keeps statistics on many types of fraud. Getting accurate information on fraud can help them better understand and prevent it.

The bottom line

Seeing an unauthorized transaction on your credit card bill can be worrying. If you look into it and find that it’s a fraudulent purchase, it’s time to take action. Get in touch with your credit card company to freeze your account. And consider putting a fraud alert on your credit report. Contact a credit reporting agency to start this process.

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