How to Report Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud can turn a regular day into a stressful one fast. One unfamiliar charge or suspicious email, and suddenly you're wondering: What do I do now? 

The good news? Knowing how to report credit card fraud helps stop additional charges and can help you recover money that was taken. 

What is credit card fraud? 

Credit card fraud happens when someone uses your credit card or card number without permission. It can involve: 

• Unauthorized purchases Stolen card information
• Fake websites capturing card details
• Scams that trick you into sharing card numbers
• Criminals accessing your account through data breaches 

Fraud can happen whether your physical card is missing or still in your wallet. Scammers only need the numbers, not the card itself. ​​​

How to report credit card fraud 

Fraud can escalate quickly, and small signs often point to larger issues behind the scenes. If you notice anything suspicious (even a charge that looks a little out of place), acting right away can help prevent further misuse of your information. 

➢RELATED: Beware: 5 Senior Scams to Watch Out For 

1. Contact your card issuer asap 

Your card issuer is your first line of defense. The second you see an unauthorized charge, call their helpline. Don’t wait. 

Your card company should be able to: 

• Freeze or cancel the card
• Block new charges
• Review unauthorized transactions
• Issue a replacement card
• Guide you through the dispute process 

Most banks include a phone number on the back of your card, inside their app, or on your statements. Calling as soon as possible helps prevent additional fraudulent purchases. 

2. Activate a fraud alert on your credit report 

A fraud alert tells lenders something is wrong and prompts them to verify your identity before opening new credit in your name. This added layer of protection can be helpful if your card information was stolen or if you think you might be part of a larger identity theft attempt. 

To activate a fraud alert, you’ll need to contact one of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. Once you place the alert with one bureau, that bureau will notify the others on your behalf. A fraud alert is free, lasts for about one year, and can be renewed if you need ongoing protection. 

☎️ Credit bureau contact numbers: 

• Experian: 888-397-3742
• Equifax: 800-525-6285
• TransUnion: 800-680-7289 

3. Report the fraud to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) 

If the fraud happened through a fake website, phishing email, or digital scam, consider reporting the fraud to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). This agency helps track patterns and supports investigations. You’ll typically need to send them: 

• Transaction details
• Screenshots of suspicious messages
• Dates and times
• Copies of emails or website links involved 

4. Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) helps to keep consumers safe by collecting information about fraud and identity theft. Submitting a report to them helps the agency monitor trends and provide personalized recovery steps. An FTC report can be especially helpful if: 

• The fraud is part of a larger identity theft case
• Your personal information was exposed
• Someone opened accounts in your name 

5. Contact the US Postal Inspection Service for mail-related scams 

Some scams happen through the mail, including fake letters, stolen mail, or fraudulent credit card offers. If the fraud involves the postal system, go to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) to file a report or call them at 1-877-876-2455. Examples of mail-related scams can include: 

• Mail theft that exposed your card information
• Scams disguised as official letters
• Fraudulent credit card applications sent or received by mail 

6. File a report with local law enforcement 

While not required by every bank, filing a police report can be helpful, especially in more serious cases. A law enforcement report provides documentation that may support your dispute with the card issuer, strengthen any identity theft claims, and help local authorities track scams that may be affecting others in your area. 

You can usually file a report on your local law enforcement's website. If that option isn't available, call them to find out what steps to take next. 

Can you get money back from credit card fraud?

In many cases, yes. Most credit card issuers have zero-liability policies for unauthorized transactions, meaning you may not be responsible for fraudulent charges if they are truly unauthorized. But your outcome depends on how quickly you reported the fraud, whether the charges were made with your physical card or card number, and your bank’s specific policies. 

Funds may be credited back while the investigation takes place. Your issuer will have more information on what documentation they need and how long the review may take. 

➢RELATED: How to Rebuild Your Credit (and 6 Mistakes to Avoid) 

5 tips to avoid credit card fraud 

You can't prevent every scam, but you can make it a lot harder for criminals to access your accounts. These simple habits give you more control over your financial security. 

1. Freeze your credit 

Freezing your credit prevents new accounts from being opened in your name without your permission. Lenders can’t access your credit report, which makes it much harder for someone to use your information to apply for loans or credit cards. 

To place a freeze on your credit, you’ll need to contact each of the three major credit bureaus individually. You can lift the freeze at any time if you plan to apply for credit. A credit freeze doesn’t affect your credit score or your existing accounts, but it can help block fraudulent attempts to open new ones. 

➢RELATED: Credit Lock vs. Freeze: What’s the Difference? 

2. Check your credit reports 

Regularly looking at your credit reports can help you catch fraudulent activity before it turns into something much bigger. You're entitled to free credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com, which makes it easy to check in throughout the year. 

As you review your reports, pay attention to anything that doesn’t look familiar or expected. Even small discrepancies can signal that your information may have been hacked. When checking, look for: 

• Accounts you don’t recognize
• Credit inquiries you didn’t authorize
• Incorrect personal information
• Sudden credit limit changes 

3. Monitor your credit card statements for fraudulent activity 

Keeping a close eye on your credit card statements can help you spot fraud before it grows. Thieves often test accounts with minor purchases before attempting larger ones. 

Reviewing your statements throughout the month gives you a better chance of catching anything unusual early. Most card issuers also offer real-time alerts that notify you when a transaction posts to your account, which can make monitoring even easier. If something looks off, contact your issuer right away so they can review the charge, freeze the card if needed, and guide you through the next steps. 

4. Use strong passwords and change them regularly 

Creating strong, unique passwords is an easy way to help protect your online banking and shopping accounts from unauthorized access. Criminals often rely on weak or repeated passwords to break into accounts, especially if the same password is used across multiple sites. It’s helpful to update your passwords regularly, especially after news of a data breach or if an account has been acting suspiciously. 

Consider: 

• Using a password manager
• Avoiding repeated passwords
• Adding multi-factor authentication (MFA) 

5. Never share your credit card information 

Sharing your credit card information, even with someone who seems trustworthy, can put your financial security at risk. Scammers often pose as familiar or official organizations to convince people to hand over sensitive details. They may claim to be from your bank, a retailer, a delivery company, or even a government agency, and they often use urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. 

Remember that real companies won’t ask for your full credit card number, security code, or PIN through email, text, or unexpected phone calls. Scammers often try to gain trust by pretending to be: 

• Banks
• Retailers
• Delivery services
• Government agencies 

If something doesn’t feel right or you’re unsure whether a request is legitimate, take a moment to pause and verify the source. You can do this by contacting the company directly through their phone number or website. 

➢RELATED: What Affects Your Credit Score?