Despite the fact that companies are constantly finding ways to protect our personal data, thieves and scammers are also evolving to bypass these measures. Unfortunately, credit card scams are as present as ever, so understanding what schemes are most common is critical to protecting yourself and your finances. The following blog explores some of the most common methods used to commit fraud and what you should do if you believe you’ve been impacted. You’ll also learn the importance of working with a San Diego County credit card fraud lawyer to explore your legal options.
What Credit Card Scams Should I Be Alert To?
As a consumer, understanding the methods used by criminals to scam you out of your hard-earned money is critical. Generally, one of the most common methods scammers use to steal your card information is through “skimming.” When you use ATMs, gas pumps, or any other card terminal reader, you often have to physically input your card into the device. Unfortunately, these may be equipped with devices used to glean your card information when you insert your card to pay. These devices then store this information or transmit it to the nearby scammer.
Another common scam you should be aware of is the “card-not-present” scam. When thieve access your card information, whether through data breaches, network hacking, or physical theft, they’ll likely use the information to make online purchases. Because the card is not present in stores, this can be difficult to track and prevent as the merchant is generally unable to verify a user’s identity for online transactions.
What Should I Do if I Believe I’m a Victim of Fraud?
If you have reason to believe you are the victim of a credit card scam, it’s imperative to understand your legal options. Generally, the first steps you should take include securing your accounts by contacting your credit card company to report the fraud, dispute the unauthorized charges, and request a new card.
It’s important to understand that as a consumer, the law is on your side in these instances. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you assume limited liability for unauthorized electronic charges on your credit card. Generally, your liability is limited to $50 so long as you contact your card issuer within 60 days of the unauthorized transaction, while others offer zero liability, meaning you are completely protected. As such, you should check your issuer’s policy to understand what your options are.
When you are the victim of credit card fraud, you may be disappointed to find that your credit card company is unresponsive or wants to hold you liable for the charges on the account. If this is the case, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced consumer defense attorney to help you protect your rights. At Barthel Legal, our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to help guide you through these difficult matters. When you are the victim of fraud, our firm can help. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
