Understanding and Avoid Credit Card Fraud
Last Updated: 4/2/21Some tips and ideas:
- Always cover the PIN pad when entering your PIN due to pinhole cameras used by crooks
- Educate yourself on skimmers and their appearance: https://krebsonsecurity.com/all-about-skimmers/
- If you see anything suspicious about a gas pump or ATM, don't use it.
- Less used, lower traffic, ATM machines or Gas pumps can sometimes be higher risk for skimmers, because installation and later retrieval by crooks is less likely to be noticed.
- Credit cards typically have better liability protection limits than debit cards.
- RFID payment cards and devices should be in an protective sleeve or wallet designed for that purpose.
- Keep an eye on your transaction history for suspicious activity.
- Cardless payment options may offer better security with lower risk. (Cash, Smartphone, mobile app, etc...)
Keep in mind that credit card payment processors have been known to be hacked with attackers stealing credit card info in real-time (Think: Target, Home Depot, etc...). There isn't much you can do about this. The finance industry and payment industry work on new standards to help address this with more encryption.
