…… - Question about a card I received in the mail (2024)

FAQs

What if I accidentally gave my card info to a scammer? ›

Contact your bank or credit card issuer

If you accidentally paid a scammer online using your debit or credit card, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Let them know that you fell for a scam and provide them with as much detail as possible about the scam.

As soon as possible contact your bank to report the fraudulent activity. The bank will likely cancel your card and issue a new one. Once you receive the new one you'll have to update any automatic payments you have linked to it. Place a fraud watch on your credit report.

So what do you do? If you have paid with a gift card, contact the company that issued the card right away and then tell the FTC. Reporting to the company and the FTC helps us fight these scams. Go to ftc.gov/giftcards to learn more about how to protect yourself and others.

Contact your bank and let them know. You may have received messages sent from your account that you don't recognise, or you may have been locked out of your account, refer to our guidance on recovering a hacked account. Contact your IT department and let them know.

Accidentally downloading malware or spyware can enable hackers to access information stored on your computer, including credit card information and other details. For example, a malware attack might use a keylogger that records your keystrokes or browser history and then sends that information to a hacker.

Debit card fraud occurs when someone gains access to your debit card number—and, in some cases, personal identification number (PIN)—to make unauthorized purchases or withdraw cash 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.

Unfortunately, you can't directly access information about who used your card. However, you should report any unauthorized transactions immediately to your card issuer, who may investigate.

Earlier we mentioned gift card tampering, where scammers either copy or alter the card info and then steal funds when the card is purchased. Signs of tampering include a bar code that's affixed to the card with a sticker, a PIN that's been exposed, or packaging that looks like it's been altered in any way.

Gift card fraud can happen through stolen credit card details used to buy and resell gift cards. Hackers obtain gift card numbers, while phishing emails or social engineering scams deceive legitimate cardholders into sharing gift card information or purchasing fake ones.

How do I stop my card from being scammed? ›

If you gave the fraudster your bank account number or routing number, contact your bank or credit union immediately. You may need to close the account and open a new one. Social security number. Go ahead with a fraud alert or credit freeze and report your information stolen at the FTC's identitytheft.gov website.

Let your mobile carrier know right away if you think that your phone number may be hacked or compromised. Your provider can help you regain access to your phone or hacked SIM card, if that's the case. Most major carriers also offer spam and scam call blocking tools to reduce the amount of scam calls that you receive.

Most bank policies have protections for consumers who experience card fraud or unauthorized electronic transactions. For example, if someone uses your debit card without your consent and you file a dispute, your bank will likely refund the unauthorized transaction.

You can lose your entire savings if your debit card falls into the wrong hands. With just your card number and CVV number, someone can use your card without permission to make any payment online. It's, therefore, essential to keep your physical debit card at all times and make sure no one can access its information.