Tips to Help Protect Yourself from Credit Card Scams

Credit card scams continue to be a growing problem as criminals take advantage of the convenience and security of modern technology. As more people use credit cards for purchases online, the risk of becoming a victim of fraud dramatically increases. Here’s what you need to know about credit card scams and how to protect yourself.

Intrada’s Credit Card Safety Recommendations

1. Check Credit Card Statements
   Stay vigilant. Always double-check your statements for unauthorized charges or suspicious activity when using your credit cards online. Credit card fraud can be pretty sophisticated, and you need to be aware of any of your account discrepancies
2. Only Use Trusted Websites
   Using a trusted website when making purchases online with credit cards is essential. To help prevent credit card fraud, only use your credit card on secure websites. Look for the padlock icon in your browser's address bar, indicating that the site uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption.
3. Only Share Credit Card Information with Trusted Sources
   Be careful when using credit cards in retail stores or over the phone. It’s important to ensure that you know who you are dealing with and try to avoid giving credit card information to anyone you don't know.
4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks When Making Online Purchases
   When using a public Wi-Fi network, be careful when entering your credit card information. Public networks are vulnerable to being hacked, and it's easy for criminals to access your sensitive data. Intrada recommends avoiding them when making purchases.
5. Do Not Click on Text Messages or Emails About Account Compromises
   If you receive a text message/warning or email about an account compromise or balance issue, promptly contact the credit card company through the number on your card or check your online account. Do not call the number in the text or click on the links in the email. 
6. Setup Multi-Factor Authentication Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security enhancement that requires users to verify their identity using multiple credentials before gaining access to a system, application, or service. This layered approach to security helps ensure that the person requesting access is indeed who they claim to be, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access. MFA generally involves a combination of two or more of the following factors: Something you know: A password, PIN, or answer to a security question. Something you have: A physical token, smart card, or a mobile phone to receive a verification code. Something you are: Biometric identifiers, such as a fingerprint, facial recognition, or voice, that uniquely identify the user. By requiring multiple forms of verification, MFA adds an additional layer of defense against potential threats, even if one factor (such as a password) becomes compromised. For instance, even if an attacker obtains a user's password, they would still need the second form of authentication to gain access. In today's digital landscape, where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, implementing MFA is a critical step for organizations to protect sensitive data and systems. It enhances security for end-users and across the enterprise, making it a fundamental component of a robust cybersecurity strategy. for Online Sites When Available
   Intrada would recommend implementing Multi-Factor Authentication Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security enhancement that requires users to verify their identity using multiple credentials before gaining access to a system, application, or service. This layered approach to security helps ensure that the person requesting access is indeed who they claim to be, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access. MFA generally involves a combination of two or more of the following factors: Something you know: A password, PIN, or answer to a security question. Something you have: A physical token, smart card, or a mobile phone to receive a verification code. Something you are: Biometric identifiers, such as a fingerprint, facial recognition, or voice, that uniquely identify the user. By requiring multiple forms of verification, MFA adds an additional layer of defense against potential threats, even if one factor (such as a password) becomes compromised. For instance, even if an attacker obtains a user's password, they would still need the second form of authentication to gain access. In today's digital landscape, where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, implementing MFA is a critical step for organizations to protect sensitive data and systems. It enhances security for end-users and across the enterprise, making it a fundamental component of a robust cybersecurity strategy. for online purchases that require your credit card details. If a website offers Multi-Factor Authentication Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security enhancement that requires users to verify their identity using multiple credentials before gaining access to a system, application, or service. This layered approach to security helps ensure that the person requesting access is indeed who they claim to be, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access. MFA generally involves a combination of two or more of the following factors: Something you know: A password, PIN, or answer to a security question. Something you have: A physical token, smart card, or a mobile phone to receive a verification code. Something you are: Biometric identifiers, such as a fingerprint, facial recognition, or voice, that uniquely identify the user. By requiring multiple forms of verification, MFA adds an additional layer of defense against potential threats, even if one factor (such as a password) becomes compromised. For instance, even if an attacker obtains a user's password, they would still need the second form of authentication to gain access. In today's digital landscape, where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, implementing MFA is a critical step for organizations to protect sensitive data and systems. It enhances security for end-users and across the enterprise, making it a fundamental component of a robust cybersecurity strategy. (also known as two-step verification), be sure to take advantage of it. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code that is sent to your phone or email in addition to your password.

Unfortunately, if you become a victim of credit card fraud or your card is lost or stolen, contact your credit card company immediately to report the crime or incident. They will work with you to investigate the case and help get any stolen funds returned to your account and issue a new card with a different number.

How Can Intrada Help?

Preventing credit card fraud is critical for both online and offline businesses. At Intrada Technologies, we are dedicated to helping our clients stay safe from cybercrime. Contact us today to learn more about our security services and how we can help protect your business from credit card scams and other online threats.

Cybersecurity Awareness Poster 

Click here for a cybersecurity awareness training poster that Intrada Technologies clients may print and post to meet cybersecurity insurance requirements.