Credit cards can be stolen in a variety of ways: Through theft of a physical card, via data breaches, by card skimmers—the list goes on. Zero liability protections may prevent you from being financially responsible for fraud, but a credit card theft remains an inconvenience at best and a nightmare at worst.
Many phishing emails try to get you to click a button or link that takes you to a familiar-looking fraudulent site to enter your account information. Phishing emails may also prompt you to click a link or download a file containing spyware, which hackers can use to export your card details and other information.
Thieves can obtain your card number, expiry date, and security code using different techniques. They can use skimming devices placed on ATMs or point-of-sale payment terminals or phishing scams where they trick you into revealing your card details or hacking into databases that store card information.
Malware and spyware
Accidentally downloading malware or spyware can enable hackers to access information stored on your computer, including credit card information and other details. Malware may include a keylogger that records your keystrokes or browser history and then sends that information to a hacker.
Call your card issuer
If you notice any suspicious activity on your card or realize your card is lost or stolen, then call your issuer immediately to suspend your account and issue you a new card with a new number. Some card issuers allow you to do this through their app, too. You can also ask about your liability.
Capable hackers are able to crack the security on merchants and other card data holders, and access large volumes of card data. With the heightened awareness of cybercrime, the industry has made strides in using more secure techniques for storing data (or in many cases, ensuring that they don't store it).
Can You Track Someone Who Used Your Credit Card Online? No. However, if you report the fraud in a timely manner, the bank or card issuer will open an investigation. Banks have a system for investigating credit card fraud, including some standard procedures.
When you bank or shop on public Wi-Fi networks, hackers can use keylogging software to capture everything you type, including your name, debit card account number and PIN. Phishing. Be wary of messages soliciting your account information.
If someone has used your card in a store or online, you're covered under the Payment Services Regulations. The regulations state you must be refunded immediately if you've had money taken from your account without your permission.
Fraudsters can get ahold of your card details in a few different ways—one of them being through an ATM card skimming device. Nefarious parties can also gain access to old bank statements or debit cards, or direct you to make a payment on a fraudulent website that collects your details.
Even if someone has your credit card number, if they don't have the corresponding CVV, it's much harder to make unauthorized purchases with it. By asking for the CVV code, the merchant is adding an extra level of security to ensure that the cardmember is the one making the purchase.
Contact your bank immediately
The bank may be able to cancel the payment or put the money back into your account.
So, can the bank find out who used my debit card? The answer is no. Banks have a variety of ways to track spending, but they typically won't disclose how exactly they determine where purchases were made.
Contact the bank as soon as possible when you notice suspicious activity and alert it of any unauthorized transactions, so that the bank can give your money back. Finally, report the incident to the FTC.
In the above scenario, the transaction cannot be processed without the correct PIN. If a thief steals someone's ATM or debit card, they can't withdraw funds or make purchases because they don't have the PIN. This fact helps to reduce the potential for fraud.
If fraudsters can combine your bank details and other easy-to-find information — such as your Social Security number (SSN), ABA or routing number, checking account number, address, or name — they can easily begin to steal money from your account.
The easiest way to become a victim of a bank scam is to share your banking info — e.g., account numbers, PIN codes, social security number — with someone you don't know well and trust. If someone asks for sensitive banking details, proceed with caution.
Is it possible for someone to use your debit or credit card with just the card number and the CVV? Yes, this type of fraud is known as "card-not-present" fraud, as the thief does not have possession of the physical card. This type of fraud is becoming more common with the rise of online shopping and e-commerce.
Card details – card number, card holder name, date of birth and address - are stolen, often from online databases or through email scams, then sold and used on the internet, or over the phone. This is often called 'card-not-present' fraud.
Can I get my money back if someone used my card? If you report debit card fraud quickly — within two business days of realizing your information is compromised — your losses are limited to a maximum of $50. But if you wait longer than that, you may be responsible for some or all of the charges.
Check your accounts for unauthorized charges or debits and continue monitoring your accounts. If you have online or mobile access to your accounts, check your transactions as frequently as possible. If you receive paper statements, be sure to open them and review them closely.
How to spot it: Check your credit card or bank statement when you get it. Look for purchases or withdrawals you didn't make. Bonus advice: Sign up to get text or email alerts from your credit card or bank whenever there's a new transaction. This could help you spot unauthorized or fraudulent activity on your account.
Fraudsters can try to access your online accounts (i.e., social media or banking) using your phone number. They can send a password reset to your phone and even trick automated systems into thinking they are you.
Banks have a legal and ethical responsibility to refund scammed money to their customers. However, you can't always get scammed money back. Whether it's a lack of evidence or human error on your part, thieves can sometimes get away with your stolen funds.
If you've bought something from a scammer
Your card provider can ask the seller's bank to refund the money. This is known as the 'chargeback scheme'. If you paid by debit card, you can use chargeback however much you paid.