Credit card fraud is a serious threat that affects millions worldwide each year. Not only does it cause financial loss, but it also leaves victims feeling violated and exposed.
With the ever-increasing sophistication of cybercriminals, it is important to take the necessary steps to safeguard yourself and your financial information.
Thankfully, there are effective ways to protect yourself from credit card fraud. In this article, you’ll learn eight valuable tips that will help you keep your finances secure.
1. Sign up for fraud alerts
One of the best ways to protect yourself from credit card fraud is to sign up for fraud alerts. Fraud alerts are messages your credit card company sends when suspicious activity is detected on your account. They can be sent via email, text message, or you may receive a call.
By signing up for fraud alerts, you’ll be quickly notified if any suspicious activity is detected so you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Setting up fraud alerts can help reduce the risk of identity theft and financial loss.
2. Keep your information safe
Protecting your personal information and credit card details is key to preventing credit card fraud. Be vigilant when sharing your data online, especially when purchasing something. Ensure you only use secure websites and never share your credit card details via email or text. Many scammers pose as legitimate financial institutions to gain access to your credit card info.
Be alert and never give out any sensitive information over the phone or via email unless you are certain who you’re talking to. We live in the age of technology, and now it’s easier than ever to identify the person behind a message or call. PhoneHistory can help you do that. It provides information about the caller’s identity, location history, and professional and educational details. And the greatest thing is that the internet is full of such useful databases that make it super easy to find the owner of a certain phone number.
3. Be careful when using public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are useful to stay connected on the go, but they can also pose a security risk. Whenever you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, use Virtual Private Network (VPN). This will protect your data from prying eyes.
You should also avoid using websites that require sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or passwords. If you must use a website that requires this information, ensure it’s an HTTPS site.
You should also be careful when using apps on public Wi-Fi. Many apps store your data in the cloud, which can be accessed if your device is compromised. Make sure to only use secure apps and never store sensitive information on them.
Finally, log out of all websites and applications after use. This will help prevent someone else from accessing your data if they get access to your device.
4. Use a secure browser
Secure browsers encrypt your data to protect it from hackers’ access, which can help prevent your credit card details from being stolen.
In addition to ensuring your browser is up-to-date, look for extra security features like private browsing and two-factor authentication.
Private browsing prevents your history and cookies from being stored on your computer, while two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring you to enter a code sent to your phone when signing into accounts.
By using a secure browser, you can be sure that your information is safe and that you’re taking the necessary steps to protect yourself from fraud.
5. Don’t click on unknown links
Clickbait emails, text messages, and social media posts can be enticing, but it’s crucial to know that clicking on unknown links could leave you vulnerable to fraud.
Cybercriminals use links to install malicious software onto your device, giving them access to your financial information. Even if the link seems to come from a trustworthy source, such as your bank or a popular store, you should double-check the website address before clicking on a link.
If the link looks suspicious, don’t click on it. Instead, manually enter the website address, log in, and check your accounts.
6. Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication ensures you have an additional layer of security. It requires you to provide two pieces of information before accessing your accounts. With 2FA in place, hackers are much less likely to be able to access your accounts even if they know your passwords.
When signing up for accounts online, looking for two-factor authentication options is essential. When available, enable this extra layer of security to help protect your credit card information and other sensitive data. If a website doesn’t offer two-factor authentication, consider looking for alternatives or proceeding cautiously.
Also, use unique passwords for each website and change them periodically.
7. Report suspicious activity
It’s indispensable to look out for any suspicious behavior. If you notice any activity that doesn’t seem right, it’s best to report it to the authorities.
If you’re concerned about credit card fraud, immediately alert the bank of suspicious activity. They will then investigate and take appropriate action.
8. Review your credit report regularly
Keeping tabs on your credit history will help you avoid potential fraud attempts and spot errors or discrepancies.
Fortunately, you can get a free copy of your report every twelve months from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Requesting a free credit report and reviewing it carefully can help you protect yourself against fraud and identity theft.
Look for accounts you don’t recognize and unfamiliar addresses, inquiries, and other information. You should report any suspicious activity to the credit bureaus immediately.
You can also take advantage of tools like Credit Karma or Credit Sesame, which offer free credit score monitoring. These services can alert you if there are changes to your credit score or any new accounts opened in your name, helping you keep an eye on any fraudulent activity.
Key takeaways
Credit card fraud is a real threat that can affect anyone. According to research by Security, 65% of people with debit or credit cards have encountered credit card fraud at least once. This is alarming. But there are ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim. By taking the measure discussed above, you will easily safeguard your financial information.