How to Report Credit Card Fraud

If you see a transaction you don’t recognize on your credit card account, even if it’s just a few pennies, don’t ignore it. It could be an unauthorized charge and a sign that your credit card number, your account, and your identity have been compromised. If you have reason to believe you’ve been a victim of identity theft or credit card fraud, take action immediately.

Here’s an overview of what to look for to spot credit card fraud or identity theft, and more information on how to report credit card fraud if it happens to you.

Types of credit card fraud

Even the most careful people fall victim to credit card fraud. Why? Credit card fraud can occur in many ways. Credit cards can be lost or stolen, or someone could steal your mail and gain your personally identifying information. Additionally, systems with credit card information could be hacked or broken into. Thieves also may use spyware or software that is used to scrape important information from your computer or from the systems of online retailers where you shop. Let’s look at a couple of common methods.

• Credit and Debit Card Skimming: Skimming refers to stealing debit or credit card information via a special device—a skimmer—attached to an ATM, gas station pump, restaurant or store checkout terminal, or even a handheld credit card reader. Even though some experts recommend trying to spot a skimming device visually, the truth is, it’s not easy to do. Skimmers can be difficult, if not impossible, to detect. It’s important to protect yourself against skimming by paying special attention to ATMs. To help protect yourself from this kind of credit card fraud, use your own bank ATM instead of an ATM at a corner store, gas station, or other location.
• Email and Phone Phishing: Phishing refers to a scam where the perpetrators are trying to trick you into giving them your personal information, which they can then use to steal your money or even identity. In the case of credit card fraud, it’s an attempt to gain access to your credit card information. Sometimes, those attempting fraudulent activity will send you a link that, when clicked, will install malicious keylogging software on your computer. Upon execution, the software will record all the login names and passwords you type, which could allow access to your personal financial information.

To avoid or greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of phishing:

– Don’t click on any links you’re not sure about and don’t email unencrypted personal financial information, even if you trust the recipient.

– If you’re contacted by phone, rather than email, don’t divulge any sensitive information to anyone unless you have initiated the contact.

– Never call the number or click on a link that suddenly pops up on your computer screen, especially if it claims that your computer has been infected with a virus.

– Keep your antivirus and anti-malware programs updated.

Reporting credit card fraud

Knowing how to report credit card fraud is extremely important in resolving the issue. If you detect fraudulent charges, call your credit card company as soon as possible. The phone number can typically be found on the back of your credit card, or you can find it on the credit card issuer’s website. Some, like Discover, may have toll-free numbers and agents available 24 hours a day.

If, in addition to fraudulent charges, you believe your identity has been stolen, you should take a few more steps:

• Contact the credit bureaus: You’ll want to contact each of the major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian®, and Equifax) to place a fraud alert on your credit reports, in which lenders must verify your identity when someone attempts to open a new account under your name. There is also a more intense option: placing a credit freeze on your reports with each credit bureau. This makes it more difficult for thieves to open an account in your name, by not allowing credit report inquiries unless you temporarily lift the freeze on your report when applying for a new account.
• File a police report: It’s important to file an identity theft report with your local police precinct. Make sure you keep a copy of the police report, which you may need to submit to creditors and others.
• File a report with the FTC: The Federal Trade Commission has a dedicated website that helps you report identity theft and provides a streamlined personal recovery plan to help you get back to normal.

Identity protection can help detect fraud

As a Discover cardmember, you have yet another option to help you protect your identity and personally identifiable information.

Be sure to stay vigilant in protecting your personal information whenever possible, which can help mitigate the risks. Your digital DNA is everywhere, so it’s best to do something to protect it.