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Credit card fraud He has been increasing in recent years.

The most recent database of the Federal Trade Commission indicates that 416,582 cases of credit card fraud were reported in 2024, which makes it one of the most common forms of identity theft. You know that you have been a victim of this fraud when you notice unauthorized transactions on your credit card bill.

These transactions are usually less than $ 100 to avoid detection. However, they can sometimes exceed $ 1,000. One of those incidents occurred with Martin de Martinsville, Virginia, when he was randomly charged at $ 1,095 in Hong Kong.

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“Hello, I recently received a fraud alert from my credit card company that said there was a $ 1,095 position on my credit card in Hong Kong. I use my iPad and Safari Browser to buy online. Can you explain how I could happen this?

I am sorry to listen about the fraudulent position on your credit card, Martin. It is good that your credit card company is handling it and that it is not responsible for the charges. For future reference, I will discuss how this could have happened and how to stay safe.

A woman who uses her credit card to buy online (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)

How does credit card fraud occur

Credit card fraud can occur in several ways, often without realizing it. A common method is when scammers get information from their card Data violations In online stores or banks, which means that your data is filtered without your knowledge.

Another cunning tactic is Phishingwhere scammers deceive him to give the information on his card by passing legitimate companies through emails or false websites.

There is also the risk of “idleness“Where devices in ATMs or service stations secretly capture the details of their card when they slide it. In some cases, scammers can also exploit weak security in Public Wi-Fi Networks o Committed applications to access your information while buying online.

A man who uses his credit card to buy on his phone (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)

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Credit card fraud is too common

A report by Security.org reveals that 52 million Americans experienced credit card fraud in 2023A figure even higher than that reported by the FTC. With four out of five American adults who have at least one credit card, the report found that three out of five card holders have faced unauthorized charges, approximately 128 million victims. Even more worrying, 75% of these victims reported that they stole the information on their credit card more than once.

The typical unauthorized transaction is around $ 100, which adds approximately $ 5 billion in criminal purchases each year. Interestingly, most unauthorized transactions involve credit cards that did not miss or stole physically, highlighting the growing risks of online fraud and data violations.

A woman who uses her credit card to pay (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)

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The need for identity theft

Data violations are one of the main ways in which credit card fraud occurs. Computer pirates often have unauthorized access to confidential information stored by companies or institutions. When a retailer, a financial institution or an online store experiences a data violation, the computer pirates generally pursue the payment systems where the details of the customer credit card are maintained.

If these systems are not correctly insured, computer pirates can take things such as credit card numbers, expiration dates and sometimes even security codes. Once they have that information, they can use it themselves or sell it to others.

But it is not just the information of the credit card at risk. Data violations You can also expose personal data such as names, email addresses and telephone numbers. Scammers can use this stolen information to launch Phishing attacks, pretending to be reliable companies and deceive it to give more confidential information.

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That is why identity theft monitoring is so important. Identity theft companies can monitor personal information such as their social security number, telephone number and email address and alert it if it is sold on the dark website or used to open an account. They can also help you freeze your bank and credit card accounts to avoid greater unauthorized use by criminals.

One of the best parts of some identity robbery protection services is that they have an identity theft insurance of up to $ 1 million to cover the losses and legal fees and a white gloves fraud resolution team where a case manager based in the United States helps him recover any loss. See my advice and the best selections on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

Illustration of a crook credit card (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)

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10 ways to protect themselves from credit card fraud

1. Notify your credit card issuer immediately: If you notice the fraudulent charges on your credit card, start calling the number on your credit card back. From there, you must obtain more detailed information on what to do next.

2. Monitor your statements regularly: One of the best ways to catch fraud with an early credit card is to monitor your statements. Check your transactions regularly to detect unknown charges. The sooner you notice something suspicious, the faster you can inform your credit card company and avoid more damage.

3. Regularly verify your credit report: In addition to monitoring the extracts of your credit card, periodically check your credit report to catch any unauthorized accounts inaugurated in your name.

4. Use strong and unique passwords: Always use strong and unique passwords for your online accounts, especially those that store payment details. Avoid using easily divine information and consider using a Password administrator to store and generate safe passwords. This reduces the chances of scammers accessing their accounts.

5. Use credit card alerts: Configure transaction alerts with your credit card company. In this way, you will receive an email or text notification for each transaction made with your card. If you receive an alert for a purchase you did not make, you can take immediate measures to inform it and avoid more charges.

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6. Be careful with the public wi-fi: Avoid making purchases or enter confidential information when connected to Public wi-fi Networks because they are often not safe. If you need to make an online purchase while on the fly, consider using a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your connection and keep your credit card safe from computer pirates. To get the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPN to navigate on the private web on its Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices

7. Do not store credit card information about browsers and websites: Storing your credit card information in browsers or websites can make it convenient, but also exposes it to a higher risk of fraud. If your browser or website security is committed, computer pirates could access the details of your saved card. To stay safe, avoid saving your credit card information and enter manually every time you make a purchase. If a site offers to save your data for future use, think twice before accepting. It is better to take the additional step to enter your information every time, ensuring that your data remains safe.

8. Use the EMV chip technology: When you buy in person, always use the chips reader instead of sliding your card. Chip Technology provides an additional layer of safety against fraud.

9. Be careful with phishing attempts and have a strong antivirus software: Be careful with emails, text messages or non -requested phone calls requesting your credit card information. Legitimate companies generally do not request confidential information through these channels. The best way to safeguard the malicious links that install malware, which potentially access their private information, is to have an antivirus software installed on all its devices. This protection can also alert it to the PHISHING Electronic Correos and Ransomware scams, maintaining their personal information and their safe digital assets. Get my elections for the best antivirus protection winners 2025 for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

10. Keep your card in sight: When you use your card in restaurants or stores, try to keep it in view. This reduces the risk that someone copies the details of their card.

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Kurt key takeway

It is clear that credit card fraud is more frequent than ever, which affects millions of Americans every year. The good news is that there are effective steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim. By staying attentive and using best practices, such as monitoring your statements and using safe passwords, you can significantly reduce your risk. Remember, awareness and proactive measures are your best defenses against credit card fraud.

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