Here’s How To Report Credit Card Fraud

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Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.

What Is Credit Card Fraud?

Credit card fraud is when someone accesses your credit card, the numbers on your card or your PIN and is able to make unauthorized charges to your account.

Credit card fraud is a felony offense that can result in real jail time for thieves who are caught.

How To Protect Yourself Against Credit Card Fraud

Now let’s go over some ways you can safeguard your credit card information.

Keep an Eye on Your Credit Card

Make sure you’re always aware of who has your credit card. When you give it to a cashier or salesperson to pay for an item, make sure they give it back.

Guard Your Credit Card Numbers

Don’t give anyone access to your credit card numbers. Don’t make it easy for someone to photograph the front or back of your bank card.

Don’t Buy From Sketchy Websites

Another way to prevent fraudulent charges is to avoid websites that look suspicious. If you find an item you really want to buy on a website you haven’t heard of before, do some research first.

See if the site is legit by doing the following:

Look for a padlock in the web address bar to indicate the site is secure.
Look for misspelled words on the site.
Give the company a call.
Check out the site’s social media accounts.
See if you can find a return policy on the site.

If You Happen To Become a Victim Of Credit Card Fraud

If you happen to fall victim to credit card fraud, you need to report it to your bank or credit card company as soon as possible. If you don’t you could be on the hook for the charges incurred.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, here is the timetable for reporting credit card fraud and who pays if you wait in reporting it.

If you report:	Your maximum loss:
Before any unauthorized charges are made.	$0
Within 2 business days after you learn about the loss or theft.	$50
More than 2 business days after you learn about the loss or theft, but less than 60 calendar days after your statement is sent to you,	$500
More than 60 calendar days after your statement is sent to you.	All the money taken from your ATM/debit card acount, and possibly more; for example, money in accounts linked to your debit account.

Final Word

The key to beating fraudulent charges on your account is to act fast when you notice sketchy charges on your credit card account.

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Keisha Smith

Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.