How can you protect yourself or a business against credit card fraud?
Emma Miller
Updated on January 28, 2026
In general. Protect yourself from becoming a victim of credit card fraud by: keeping a list of cards you carry in a safe place, including phone numbers to call, in case any of your cards are lost or stolen. keeping any convenience cheques given to you by your credit card issuer in a safe place.
How do you catch credit card fraud?
The simplest way to catch credit card fraud is to keep a vigilant eye on your accounts. Check your transactions at least once a month. If you spot a purchase you didn’t make, dispute the charge right away. Of course, you should also report a lost or stolen card as soon as possible.
Is there any way to prevent credit card fraud?
While there’s no way to prevent credit card fraud, you can familiarize yourself with common methods of fraud and how you can protect yourself. Select’s editorial team works independently to review financial products and write articles we think our readers will find useful.
What to do if your credit card Number is stolen?
Use a virtual credit card number online. Use a password manager. Get a chip card with PIN capacity. Don’t trust public Wi-Fi for financial transactions. Set up a fraud alert or credit freeze if your card is lost or stolen. Review your credit reports regularly. Don’t use unsecure websites.
What’s the maximum liability for credit card fraud?
The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) protects you against credit card fraud and limits your maximum liability to $50. Some card issuers expand that law by offering $0 fraud liability on unauthorized charges, which means you won’t be held liable for any amount of fraudulent purchases.
What happens when someone steals your credit card?
Credit card fraud can happen if someone physically steals your card or virtually hacks your account, and it can be a serious headache to resolve. If you’re a victim of fraud, you may incur unauthorized charges that can result in steep bills. And if your credit card balance increases drastically, you may risk damage to your credit score.
