Life gets busy, and so do scammers, hoping you won’t notice their tricks. Your card info is just numbers to them, but to you, it’s hard-earned cash and peace of mind. Staying ahead isn’t rocket science—it’s about daily choices that add up. Think of it as locking the front door, but for your bank balance. Stick around—your wallet might just thank you for it.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Adding a second login step makes it much harder for thieves to access your account. It’s free through most banks and apps and significantly reduces fraud risk. If your account only needs a password, it’s easier to breach than you think.
Set Transaction Alerts
Stay one step ahead of fraudsters by setting up transaction alerts. Instant notifications pop up on your phone for every card swipe, letting you spot anything fishy in seconds. You can customize alerts by amount or merchant, making it easy to stay in control.
Use Virtual Card Numbers
Virtual card numbers create a temporary shield for your real card details when shopping online. These numbers expire after use, so even if a merchant gets hacked, your actual card stays safe. Capital One and Citi both offer this clever trick.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi For Transactions
Yes, public Wi-Fi might be convenient, but it’s a playground for hackers. Transactions over these networks can be hijacked without warning. Many hotspots lack encryption, making it risky. If you must shop online, a VPN adds a much-needed layer of safety.
Shred Old Statements
Old account statements are a treasure trove for dumpster divers. Shredding them prevents fraudsters from retrieving the information from the trash, especially in senior households. Cross-cut shredders offer the best protection and keep your identity out of the wrong hands.
Use RFID-Blocking Wallets
RFID skimming lets thieves steal card data wirelessly in crowds. RFID-blocking wallets shield your cards by blocking the 13.56 MHz frequency scammers use. For as little as $20, you can stop electronic pickpocketing in its tracks.
Check Credit Reports Regularly
By catching unfamiliar accounts or inquiries early, you can prevent long-term headaches. Federal law gives you three free credit reports each year. Regular checks help you spot errors or fraud before they damage your credit score.
Don’t Save Card Info Online
Storing the card info on websites is risky, even with big retailers. Manual entry means fewer chances for your data to leak if a site gets hacked. Plus, auto-saved details are easy to forget about, so always opt out when possible.
Freeze Your Credit When Not Needed
Why let strangers mess with your name? Freezing the credit blocks new accounts—even for you—but it’s free, fast, and harmless to your current cards. You can lift the freeze at any time, which gives you peace of mind without hassle.
Beware Of Phishing Emails
Phishing emails look real but hide dangerous links. Clicking one can expose your full account details. Over 70% of breaches start with phishing, and some emails can spoof your bank’s real address. Watch for bad grammar as a red flag.
Use Strong And Unique Passwords
Reusing passwords is like handing out spare keys to your house. Strong, unique passwords keep each account safe, and password managers make it easy. Avoid simple combos like “123456”—mix symbols, numbers, and letters for real security.
Don’t Share Card Over The Phone
Never give your full card number to someone who calls you. Scammers often pose as banks or delivery services. Make sure to call back using official numbers to verify requests as voice phishing is on the rise, and spoofed caller IDs are tricky.
Lock Your Card After Use
Some banking apps let you lock your card with a tap. This stops thieves from using a stolen card, even if it’s just for a short while. Locking is handy after online buys or while traveling, and reactivation takes seconds.
Inspect ATMs For Skimmers
Skimmers are fake card readers placed over real ATM slots to steal your data. Always tug the reader to check for looseness, and cover your hand when typing the PIN. Unfortunately, skimming costs banks over $1 billion every year.
Choose Credit Over Debit
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards. The Fair Credit Billing Act caps your losses, and disputes are easier to resolve. Debit fraud hits your real money and can take weeks to recover, so credit is the safer bet.
Limit Card Use To Trusted Merchants
Stick to trusted websites and stores for card use. New or obscure sites may lack secure systems, and scam storefronts frequently mimic real brands. Look for HTTPS and check reviews or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings before making a purchase.
Sign The Back Of Your Card
Signing the card helps verify your identity during in-person purchases. Unsigned cards can be used by anyone, and merchants may ask for ID to match signatures. Banks still recommend this old-school trick for extra security.
Monitor Small Charges
Have you ever wondered how thieves test stolen cards? They do so with tiny, easy-to-miss charges. Watch for unfamiliar $1–$5 transactions, especially under vague names. Catching these test runs early can stop more serious fraud attempts before they happen.
Use A Dedicated Card For Online Shopping
A dedicated card for online buys limits damage if that card is compromised. It keeps your daily-use funds secure and makes tracking and disputing charges easier. Many issuers let you open multiple accounts for this purpose.
Update Expired Cards Promptly
Old card numbers can linger in auto-payments or billing systems, creating vulnerabilities. Updating your card info keeps your details fresh and minimizes the chances of billing mistakes or fraud. Stay on top of expirations to keep everything in sync.
