Credit card fraud causes substantial losses for both merchants and consumers. The types of schemes affecting consumers range from the theft of individual credit cards to the theft of thousands or millions of consumers’ personal financial information. In either case, the person or people perpetrating the fraud may use the information to make purchases for themselves, or they may sell the information to others for that purpose. This results in consumers getting billed for products or services they did not buy, as well as inaccurate credit reporting. Federal law limits the liability of consumers whose information is compromised, provided they act quickly to report lost or stolen cards and to dispute fraudulent charges. Show
Types of Credit Card FraudFraudulent credit card schemes include the very low-tech theft of one or more credit cards, which may then be used to make purchases or sold for an identity theft scheme. Stealing an actual card from someone’s purse or wallet may be the oldest form of credit card fraud, but newer technologies may allow fraudsters to accomplish the same objective without the need for purse-snatching. One type of scheme, known as “skimming,” involves people who regularly process credit card payments and who keep their own records of people’s credit card numbers. They may do this with a “skimmer” device, which attaches to card-swipe machines and other devices and reads the card’s magnetic strip. ATMs and other devices may also have skimmers disguised as part of the machine. Some hackers claim to be able to obtain credit card numbers from cards equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology without needing physical contact with the card. Scanning equipment can read RFID-equipped cards while they are still in someone’s wallet or purse, as long as the equipment is within range. Several major credit card companies have phased out magnetic-strip cards in favor of chip and PIN cards that use encryption keys and personal identification numbers (PINs) to prevent fraud. The theft of consumer financial information from merchants’ computer systems is perhaps the best-known type of credit card fraud because of several well-publicized and massive incidents. Hackers stole the credit card numbers of millions of customers of the retail chain Target, using malware installed on the company’s computers. These types of incidents may also result in the theft of other types of personal information, which fraudsters may use to apply for new credit card accounts in someone else’s name. Application fraud, as it is known, may result in a consumer defaulting on debts that he or she did not even know existed. Federal Credit Card Fraud LawThe Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) protects consumers against inaccurate or fraudulent credit card charges and other billing errors. A consumer who receives a statement with a billing error must dispute the charge in writing by sending a notice to the address for “billing inquiries” identified on the statement. The credit card company must receive the notice within 60 days of the statement date, so time is of the essence for the consumer. Notice may be sent electronically, but only if the credit card company specifically provides a means to do so. The credit card company has 90 days from the date it receives the dispute to act on it, either by correcting the charge or explaining to the consumer in writing why it believes the charge was not in error. The FCBA limits a consumer’s liability for unauthorized use of his or her credit card to $50. Fraud involving an ATM or debit card is covered by the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA). A consumer is not responsible for any charges made on an ATM or debit card if he or she reports it lost or stolen before it is used. If the consumer reports the loss or theft after someone used it, his or her maximum liability depends on when he or she reports it. If the report is within two days of learning of the loss or theft, the consumer’s maximum liability is $50. After two days, but within 60 days of the date of the next bank statement, the maximum amount is $500. Beyond that time period, the consumer is liable for all losses. The Federal Trade Commission provides additional guidance for consumers regarding lost or stolen cards, billing errors, and other issues. Last reviewed October 2021 The theft or loss of a credit card, debit card, or ATM card can happen to anyone—and you need to be prepared to take action, protect your rights, and stop thieves in their tracks. Table of Contents
If your ATM, debit, or credit card is lost or stolen, don't panic. Federal laws and bank policies limit your liability for unauthorized charges. But it's important to notify the bank or card issuer of the loss or theft as soon as you discover it. Laws That Cover Stolen and Lost CardsThe two primary federal laws covering procedures after card theft or loss are the Fair Credit Billing Act and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act. Reporting a Credit Card as Stolen or LostUnder the Fair Credit Billing Act, your liability for unauthorized charges depends on whether the thief personally presented your card to make the purchase or just stole the number.
However, in either of the above situations, it's important to notify the card issuer as soon as you know of the theft. To dispute unauthorized charges, send a letter to the credit card company at the address given for this purpose, not the address for sending your payments. Include your name, address, account number, and a description of the billing error. You may use the Federal Trade Commission'ssample letter. Send your letter so that it reaches the creditor within 60 days after the first bill showing the unauthorized charge. (12 C.F.R. § 1026.13). Or you might be able to file your dispute online. After you report your card as stolen or lost, the issuer will suspend the card and send you a new one. This is different from canceling or closing your credit cards, which can cause problems with your credit reports. The issuer will also credit back any fraudulent charges made to your account, although you can expect them to conduct a fraud investigation. Reporting a Debit Card or ATM Card as Stolen or LostWith ATM or debit cards, you must act quickly to avoid full liability for unauthorized charges when your card is lost or stolen. Under the federal Electronic Fund Transfer Act, your liability is:
If you can convince the bank that your notification failure was due to extenuating circumstances, it must extend the notification timeline for a "reasonable period." Note that if the theft involved only your ATM or debit card number—and not the card—you're not liable for unauthorized transactions if you report them within 60 days after your statement is sent to you. It's important to review your statements. So, open your monthly statements promptly and compare them to your receipts. Voluntary Caps on Liability for Debit Card ChargesIn response to consumer complaints about the possibility of unlimited liability, some card issuers cap the liability on debit cards at $50. And some banks don't charge anything if unauthorized withdrawals appear on your statement. Also, some states have capped the liability for unauthorized withdrawals on an ATM or debit card at $50. How to Protect Your Cards and InformationKnow where your credit, debit, and ATM cards are, and make sure they're secure. Here are some more tips for using and protecting your cards. Tips for Using and Protecting Your Credit Card
Tips for Using and Protecting Your Debit and ATM Cards
Learn MoreThe Federal Trade Commission website is a useful resource for information on consumer protection laws and issues related to credit, debit, and ATM cards and their use. If you have an issue with your credit card issuer or bank, you may submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB will forward your complaint to the company and work to get you a response. For more information on finances, debts, and how to regain financial health, get Solve Your Money Troubles: Debt, Credit & Bankruptcy, by Amy Loftsgordon and Cara O'Neill (Nolo). What law covers false claims regarding unauthorized use of credit cards?Just about any unauthorized use of a credit card can be prosecuted as credit card fraud. Most cases are charged under state laws, but credit card fraud is often charged as an 18 U.S.C. § 1029 federal crime.
Which of the following shortcomings may be revealed during an IT security audit quizlet?Which of the following shortcoming may be revealed during an IT security audit? There has been a data breach at your business and the business has lost some customer data.
Which type of attacker hacks computers or websites in an attempt to promote a political ideology group of answer choices?Hacktivism is the act of misusing a computer system or network for a socially or politically motivated reason. Individuals who perform hacktivism are known as hacktivists.
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