9 ways to stay safe from credit and debit card fraud and scams

It's never been easier to make credit card purchases from your computer desktop and mobile apps*. However, that also makes it easier for cybercriminals to commit fraud against you. Fortunately, there are simple ways to stay safe from potential scammers and protect your finances.

Use these nine tips to ward off fraudsters and confidently make card purchases.

1. Check your card statements regularly

Don't wait until your monthly credit card statements arrive to review transaction histories. Log into your account online at least weekly to check for suspicious activity, such as:

• Charges you don't recognize
• Charges that exceed the amount you agreed to pay
• Changes to your billing information, like your address or phone number

If you have questions about your account activity, report them to your card issuer immediately.

2. Shop on secure websites

When you shop online, check that the website is secure with "https" at the beginning of the address in your web browser (known as a URL) and shows a padlock icon. The "s" in the address stands for secure, which means the website is encrypted, protecting your data.

Before swiping a credit card or giving it to an unknown person, make sure the device looks legitimate and that your card never leaves your sight during check out.

3. Use a credit card with built-in fraud protection

Using a credit card with a built-in chip minimizes potential fraud by creating a unique code for each transaction, making it more difficult for criminals to access your data. In addition, many cards offer transaction monitoring and alerts to help you spot suspicious activity and take quick action to stop it. If you haven't already, log into your card account and activate those settings.

4. Recognize common credit card scams

Know how to detect fraud in its many forms, from physical theft or application theft to impersonation. Some scammers resort to gaining access to your card information by intercepting your mail, stealing from your wallet or copying your card number.

Another common scam is to open new cards in your name, using applications you may receive in the mail. You might not even realize it's happened, until you try to apply for credit yourself and discover one or more unknown accounts. Consider a lockable mailbox to keep thieves from stealing your mail.

5. Keep your credit cards in safe places

Don't leave your cards in places where a criminal could steal or copy them and make fraudulent charges. If you don't use a card or need to carry it on your person, keep it in a locked filing cabinet or safe.

If you misplace a card, call your issuer or log into your online account to freeze it until you find it or get a replacement. Your card company can easily cancel your old card and send you a new one.

6. Monitor your credit reports

Your credit reports include information for your current and past credit accounts. Checking them regularly, at least once a year, is wise.

Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to view or download your credit reports from each nationwide credit bureau, including Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Ask yourself the following questions to spot potential fraud or identity theft:

• Do I see any new accounts I didn't open?
• Are my available credit limits correct?
• Did I close an account that displays as active?
• Does anything look unusual or suspicious?

7. Be aware of phishing scams

Phishing is when cybercriminals try to trick you into giving them confidential information, such as your credit card or Social Security number. It could be a fake email or text designed to look like it's from a legitimate place, such as a government office, bank or credit card company.

Never click on links or reply with personal information if you receive an unsolicited email or text. Instead, go directly to the agency or company to confirm if a message is legitimate or simply delete it. Clicking on suspicious links could result in malware, or malicious software, getting installed on your computer or device.

8. Watch out for credit card skimmers

Card skimmers are devices used by fraudsters to steal your personal information. They can be attached to legitimate card readers on various machines, such as ATMs, gas pumps, and checkout devices. When you or a fraudster swipes your card, the skimmer copies your information and can use it to make unauthorized purchases.

9. Take action if a credit card scam happens to you

If you believe you've become a fraud victim, take extra precautions to protect yourself — and take action immediately. Report the fraud to your card issuer, the credit reporting bureaus and law enforcement. The authorities may not be able to catch the scammers, but they will be able to note the incident and inform others so they can protect themselves.

Enroll in credit monitoring to receive alerts anytime someone tries to open a new account or there's a change to your credit report.

You also have the option to set up credit fraud alerts or freezes. Putting a fraud alert on your credit reports notifies creditors that a criminal could be using your personal information. You can also place a credit freeze on your reports, blocking anyone from opening new accounts in your name.

Report suspicious account activity

If you see or suspect unauthorized activity on your credit cards, contact the issuer to report it immediately. They can help you resolve the issue and take the necessary steps to stay safe. To report any suspicious activity concerning your Citizens accounts, call us at 1-800-922-9999 or call the phone number on the back of your credit card, debit card or monthly statement.

Citizens is committed to providing resources to help you bank safely. Our Cybersecurity Hub is filled with information about keeping cyber alert and cyber safe and our dedicated colleagues are also ready to help you reach your goals securely.