Reporting Fraud

The Thieves

• The quickest way for a thief to steal your card is if you leave it behind. Do not put your purse or wallet down until you put the card away.
• Protect your credit card number by keeping the card in view at all times, so a dishonest employee does not have the opportunity to make a copy or write down the number. This process is called skimming.
• If you go into a store that uses an older credit card processing machine with carbon copies, ask for the carbon copies and shred them.
• Do not give out your credit card number over the phone to solicitors. If someone calls you saying they represent your bank and are verifying your card, hang up.
• Watch what information you give to strangers (and friends). Keep your credit card information private. If a thief gets the following, they can open up their own credit card account without your knowledge:
  • Social security number and/or license number
  • Birthday
  • Mother’s maiden name
  • Address

Online Fraud

Many credit card numbers are stolen online. Though most transactions are safe, be aware of the following:

• Only place an order on a secure server. Look for the padlock symbol on the bottom right side of your browser.
• Beware of phishing scams. If you get an email that asks you to click on a link and enter in your account and password, hit delete. The link is masked and takes you to the scammer’s site where they collect your information for future use. Often these emails use scare techniques such as “Your password was stolen” or “Your account is inactive. Please log in to reactivate.”
• Do not store your credit card information on website servers. This information is a hacker’s dream.

Reporting Fraud

If your card is stolen, cancel it right away. Have your information handy. Make a copy of your card or write down:

• Phone number of your credit card customer service department
• Any other contact numbers you have available
• Credit card number
• Expiration date
• Security code on the back of the card
• Your name as it appears on the card

As soon as you find your card is missing, call the credit card company and cancel it.

New Account Fraud

If someone steals your identity to get their own Mastercard expect a longer process. Call the credit card company to cancel the card and let them know it is stolen, then call the police and file a report.

Disputing Your Bill

Always check your statements. If you find a charge you did not make, call the credit card company immediately and cancel your card. Ask the company what steps you need to take to remove the stolen charges. The credit card company may ask you to write a letter to the issuer detailing the theft.

Don’t Give Up

Reporting fraud can take time. Follow up with the company every few weeks. Keep track of the conversation including:

• Time and date you called
• Who you talked to
• Summary of the call

Keeping good records and following-up helps you get results quicker. Resolving identity theft may take months or years.

Protecting Yourself

Reporting fraud is a tedious process, so focus on protecting yourself.

• Review your bills monthly. If you see an error, call immediately.
• Shred all documents that have your credit card or social security information on them.
• Sign the back of your credit card.
• Consider applying for a card with a photo.
• Shred any credit card offers that come in the mail.
• Only keep one or two active credit cards.

Continue to call the credit card company after reporting fraud until the issue is resolved. You may need to ask for help. The Identity Theft Resource Center and the Federal Trade Commission offers support to victims. Remember, stay calm and be prepared.