Credit card fraud happens when fraudsters use your stolen information to make unauthorized purchases. This may lead to financial loss, damage your credit, impact your ability to apply for loans, and even lead to criminal charges. These are steps you can take to keep yourself safe from credit card fraud:

1. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your accounts, statements, and credit reports. If you spot anything suspicious, such as a charge you don’t recognize, report it immediately.

2. Set Up Fraud Alerts: Set up card alerts so you’re aware of any suspicious charges. Consider using GSCU’s free service, CreditSavvy, to enroll in alerts informing you of any credit inquiries.

3. Secure Your Card: Never share credit card information with anyone. Use your device’s mobile wallet for added security and always verify that a website is legitimate before making an online purchase. Hover over URLs before clicking a link to confirm they match the destination. When in doubt, navigate directly to the website instead of clicking links.

4. Protect Your Personal Information: Be cautious of giving out any sensitive information, such as social security numbers, account details, or even birth dates. Fraudsters can use this information to gain access to
your accounts.