More than 40 percent of Americans have experienced fraudulent credit card charges. With the increase of online shopping and banking, fraudulent card use shifted in 2016 from stolen or counterfeit cards being used in-person to the account numbers being used remotely. This means it is more important than ever to regularly check statements. While your card may be in your wallet, that doesn’t mean it isn’t being used by a criminal somewhere.

Take a minute to look at the bank’s policies and understand what they mean. Most financial institutions will give you 30 days to report fraudulent charges before having to de-facto accept them.

Check credit card statements often

• Read statements carefully and report fraudulent charges right away

Review all account statements, even loyalty accounts and medical service standards

• These may indicate medical identity theft or other problems

Inform the company at first sign of suspicious activity

• Consumers may have a limited amount of time to report suspicious activity before it can no longer be dispute

Consider a paid identity monitory service

• Companies use a combination of technology and human intelligent to search the deep and dark web where stolen data is bought and sold. They can alert you if you r personal information is compromised and assist in taking steps to further protect you.

Stay tuned for Part 4: Protect Records & Documents coming in March.