6 Steps to Take If Your Credit Card Has Been Hacked

As mobile credit card payments become conventional, you can expect digital pickpocketing to increases day by day. Already there is an Android app that allows thieves to wirelessly steal mobile payment or card information just by standing near a person who has credit card information stored on their phone. Here are six steps you can take to avoid identity theft.

 

1.      Use Your Card Wisely

 

One of the most important things you can do is to only use your credit cards on trusted sites. This will not guarantee you that something will happen or not, but it may lower your risk. Before you enter your card information on another website, always be sure that the site is secured or not. Although this has become second nature for many people, this is still something you should do regularly. 

 

2.      Monitor Your Accounts

 

Banks and credit card companies give you a window to report fraudulent activity on your account while unknown transactions. If you do not report it immediately within the time frame, then you will be responsible for the charge.

 

3.      Check Your Credit Report

 

Check your credit report daily because hackers will use the information they have stolen to steal your identity. This means that fraudulent activity will not show up on your current accounts activity. Instead, they will open new accounts under your name and other details. If you monitor your credit report regularly, you can catch this activity and also helps to avoid fraud payments.

 

4.      Report Fraudulent Activity

 

When you find fraud credit card activity, either with an account or your credit report, you need to dispute the item. You will need to contact the bank involved and tell them there has been fraudulent activity on your bank account.

 

5.      Where to Avoid Using Your Credit Card

 

You can also do your part to avoid compromising your credit card information by thinking before you swipe.

 

6.      Sign Up for Credit Monitoring Services

 

Nowadays, credit card companies will offer credit card activity monitoring services to check the payment details. Some insurance agencies will also offer something similar or identity theft insurance. This can be expensive, and you need to make sure you clearly understand exactly what you are paying for before you sign up.

 

Finally, it is recommended to monitor your credit report to make sure that your identity was not stolen and follow the above six steps to avoid unusual or fraudulent credit card payments using your bank account.