Beware of Credit Card Fraud Online: 4 Unauthorized Transaction Signs You Should Look For

 

I have a credit card fraud and unauthorized transactions situation that I have to talk about. If you have been following me for some time you would have heard about my Poshmark scam story or stumbled on that post on how I got scammed out of money from someone (aka a scammer) claiming to want to buy my item. What I didn’t tell you is the aftermath of my year after this situation.

Even though I had changed my Visa debit card, my credit card was cancelled and I never went on Poshmark again, I still was in a credit card fraud cycle. I still found that the scammers were able to get my information again a few months later then I had to start the whole process of cancelling my card just a few months later to do this again. My entire year was this situation and I was sick and tired of it. After all, I don’t work hard each day so that these scammers can live off my money.

 

Beware of Credit Card Fraud Online: 4 Unauthorized Transaction Signs You Should Look For

Unauthorized transactions mean that someone out there is using your card information to make purchases without your permission. This is a huge problem because they are stealing money from your bank account or credit card account for their material use. Here are signs that someone has your credit card information:

1. Random Small Charge

This is something I have noticed right before scammers go for bigger purchases. They are going to test your card on something that ranges from cents to dollars. You may not take notice right away or ignore it because it was returned right away.

RED FLAG: This is a huge sign you are about to be hit with a bigger purchase because the scammer is testing your card to see if it will work for them. Once it does, they are going to start using it.

 

2. Unauthorized Transactions

Once they have tested your card, you are soon going to start seeing bigger purchases that can range from $50-to $500. They are going to be from stores and restaurants to subscription purchases. I have seen some odd things being purchased on my card that were clear signs that someone had my card information and was going on a shopping spree.

RED FLAG: Immediately call your bank and tell them what is going on. Your bank will be able to cancel your card right away. If you don’t they will not stop using your card. Chances are there are a few additional purchases they are making or getting declined that are not visible on your online banking page.

 

3. Happens Around Payday

Another thing I noticed is that I usually get hit around my payday. I don’t know if that is a consequence but I did notice it was generally around my pay day.

RED FLAG:  It shows the level of knowledge this person has acquired and unfortunately it is hard to pinpoint how the scammers or hackers got this information.

 

4. Happens Again in a Few Months

Even though you cancelled your card, got a new card and didn’t save your card information on your computer, you still have this happening to you all over again. Only leaving you without money and unauthorized payments on your card.

RED FLAG: Your computer or a website you have continued to go on has a vulnerability somewhere that is allowing scammers to know your new card info. Therefore it’s only a few months before you are going to get hit again.

Ways to Protect Yourself from Credit Card Fraud Online

Shopping online is something that we all do and it is a part of the process for my clients when it comes to shopping for organizing products. Therefore I think protecting yourself when shopping online is essential.

I want to help you out and overcome this problem speaking from someone who spent her year going through a similar situation. You don’t deserve this happening to you so here are a few ways you can protect yourself from credit card fraud online.

Related: Resolving an Unauthorized Transaction

Firewall Program

I always got the most affordable or free trials of malware and virus protection programs. This year I decided to really look at what I was paying for and realized that I didn’t have anything protecting me online and there was a difference in why we should invest in these types of programs.

I ultimately upgraded my Avast program so that I now have protection online from hackers and scammers. But I have also decided to add the app version as well for my phone. I rather be safe than sorry at this point.

 

Cancel Visa Debit Card

Don’t get me wrong I love the idea of just simply paying for online items through my account however when it comes to being scammed or being a victim of credit card fraud, it becomes a huge problem, especially for someone who is living paycheck to paycheck. Here are a few reasons why I cancelled my visa debit:

1. When scammers take your money, they are taking your money from your bank account.
2. There is a long wait to get your money back. It takes up to 15 days which can do damage if you have bills to pay.
3. Can’t lock the card. Unlike a credit card, you can’t lock your visa debt. You can only lock your bank card attached to your checking which doesn’t solve your problem.

 

Use Secure Websites for Online Banking

When doing online banking it is best to use the internet that your firewall protector suggests to use. Avast has its own that you can click on to use, however the company that you decided to use should have one as well. If not they may have an extension you can add to our choice of internet provider such as Google Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer.

 

Get a Credit Card

For all my Visa debit users, if you can, get yourself a credit card and here are the reasons why I suggest this.

• If this situation were to happen through your credit card you would get your money paid right away in most cases.
• Any money getting taken is not coming directly out of your account therefore it will not affect your personal account.
• Protections can be put in place with two-step verification when logging in and when purchasing.
• You can lock your card whenever you need to. This is perfect if the physical card gets lost or when you suspect something is not right.
• You can get additional protection if you are worried about identity fraud.
• It also helps build your credit score however make sure you are paying back each time you purchase and keep up with those payments.

Consider PayPal

If you still like the idea of purchasing through your checking account, think about using PayPal. It is a perfect alternative if you don’t want to use your credit card. I have been using it for years and haven’t had an issue. Many online stores these days carry a PayPal option for payment, however, not all do so you may need to use a card depending on the store you choose.

 

Don’t Save Card Information on your Computer

Lastly, I want to say that you should not save your card information on your computer. I know that it is so much more convenient but until you feel completely secure with all your protections put into place, you should refrain from saving it there for a while.

If not, put a password protection so that you will need to input a password anytime you want to access the card information for purchases.

Final Thoughts

I know how incredibly frustrating this can be after all this is your money being stolen, you have every right to feel this way. If you have been living in this cycle like myself, I hope these suggestions help resolve the problem for you. If not, I hope you read this before falling into credit card fraud because I don’t want anyone to go through what I did.

Let me know in the comments if this is useful to you. I would love to know if these suggestions are helping you. Also, if you have additional ideas you would like to add I want to hear it all. Stay safe out there!