How often do credit card frauds get caught and how can you prevent such acts?

The world is moving toward digitalization at a very fast pace. Many have completely turned their heads to technological advancements to bring sustainability to their lives. A great example of this is making cashless transactions. Although it has made lives easier, sometimes they are seen as a curse when people face credit card fraud. And it’s hard to say how often do credit card frauds get caught. It’s shocking that only in 2018, the credit card theft was reported at $24.26 billion internationally. And these statistics are 18% higher than the statistics recorded the previous year. Besides, these numbers are climbing every passing year.

With the ever-increasing rate of credit cards crime, one who has been misusing someone’s credit card may think what are the chances of getting caught using a stolen credit card? Well, it’s hard to answer how often do credit card frauds get caught. But if you find yourself curious to find these answers, then you are not alone.

How often do credit card frauds get caught?

It’s even more challenging to count the reported incidents where credit card scammers get caught or incarcerated.  However, in order to cut down the number of theft, credit card companies and banks are taking measures such as introducing EMV-chip cards. These EMV-chip cards make it difficult for scammers to execute credit card crimes.

One of the major reasons why these scammers are hard to trace is their strong technical knowledge and modern techniques that keep them anonymous and specifically hide their locations.

Another reason is not reporting to the police or other enforcement officers especially when there is not much amount taken from the card. The only act that can help in refunding whatever you have lost is reporting any kind of theft timely.

Although, not only individuals, banks also make a report to the police for any theft as they are insured. It all boils down to insurance companies that lose their money. This is because officers might not take interest in locating a scam of $100 when there are big things in their way.

The only thing that can help catch these scammers is CCTV footage. If they are filmed in the camera footage that only can be helpful otherwise it’s almost impossible. On the other hand, scammers are getting more and more careful while stealing credit cards and taking measures before committing the crime so they do not get caught.

What to do when someone steals your credit card?

When you get notified of an unauthorized or unusual transaction you often then realize that your credit card is stolen. There is a chance that the scammer has already made cash withdrawals or spent a big sum of money after getting your credit card.

The first thing that you can do is to report your credit card issuing company or your bank to immediately block your credit card. The company or bank will block your card, issue you a new one, and report a fraudulent complaint to authorities to begin an investigation. The investigators will trace the merchants where the cards were used and seek evidence from there such as IP addresses, timestamps, and last location that may help in tracing them. Once all the information is gathered, they will contact the police to lodge an FIR for further investigation.

A leading hint that can be used to catch credit card thieves is the pattern of credit card usage. Credit card scammers often are careless about the pattern of scams. And this is where they get caught easily.

Risks associated with credit card information

Information theft

There are many ways that a credit card fraudster can use your credit card even if you have your card with you. They only need the credit card number, issuance/expiry date, and the security pin printed on the back of your credit card. This way they can easily make transactions by using your information online where they only need to provide the information and make online purchases.

Fraudsters are everywhere, they can steal your information by implementing various tactics. If they can get your credit card for just a few seconds (like in restaurants and charge for your shopping at malls) they run it through a skimmer which can be used to make a duplicate card using your information. Due to these tactics, the credit card theft rate has increased in such a big number. But after the EMV chip installation in the credit cards, it becomes challenging for the scammers to execute such scams.

Identity theft

Fraudsters can also commit identity theft and use information negatively. They can illegally acquire the information of a person which includes name, address, social security number, etc. which is enough to make another credit card by convincing the credit card companies that they are you as they have complete information about you. They can easily apply for another credit card, accept their high terms and leave you with the bills to pay.

How high these credit card fraud risks can get?

If you maintain limited funds, then this can seriously hurt your finances. Plus, proving to an officer which transactions you have made which you did not will also be difficult if the fraudster made purchases from the same grocery store that you have been using for your needs.

Federal laws are there which protect individuals from paying for unauthorized purchases. Also, even if you can prove that you have been scammed, it may be challenging for you to segregate the transactions you made and the ones you did not. This can also be possible if the fraudster was making purchases under your nose and you are not aware of it.

The United States has been leading as a country with the most credit card theft incidents. In 2017 only, there were 157,000 credit card reported frauds which were more than three times the previous four years’ reports.

How can you prevent yourself from credit card scams and frauds?

Being extra careful and implying some measurable elements in your routine purchases, you can prevent yourself from being a credit card theft victim. These measures include;

• Make sure to put your credit card in your wallet once it is charged. Ensure that you have taken back your card and check it in your wallet when you leave for home.
• If your credit card provider has a mobile application or maintains a website, then make a habit of frequently checking our transactions and ensuring that all of them are yours.
• Never keep all of your credit cards along with you in your wallet. If your wallet gets stolen, you may forget to report a credit card theft to one of the issuers and possibly lose all of them at once.
• Never add your credit card information on non-reputable websites for online purchasing as they have no security measures.
• The first thing that you should do once you find out that your wallet or information has been stolen is to report the theft to the card issuer and request to block it immediately. Therefore, any future attempt can be prevented from pushing through.
• Keep all your security cards and documents containing sensitive information at your home. Having them in your car or wallet every time may bring the risk of identity theft that can bring extra complexities to your life.

Conclusion

You may have not become a victim of credit card theft till now, but some risks linger around. To remain extra careful for both using your information on the internet or for the credit card is essential for preventing yourself from fraudsters and scammers.