Fraudsters will stop at nothing to get your personal information and card data. Their scams can be clever, but not clever enough, if you know how they work and how to avoid them. We’ve highlighted a few of the ways fraudsters and identity thieves try to get your information.

Phishing

Phishing is when fraudsters pretending to be from well-known companies, organizations, or government agencies contact consumers and try to trick them into revealing their personal information. That information is then used to commit fraud like opening new accounts in your name or taking over existing accounts like online banking or iTunes. It can happen over the phone, on email or even through text messages. Protect yourself with these quick tips:

·  Be on your toes. Only open emails, attachments, and links from people you know.

·  Don't believe what you see. It's easy to steal the colors, logos and header of an established organization and make emails appear legitimate.

·  Avoid sharing. Don't reveal personal or financial information in an email, text or over the phone.

·  Pay attention to a website's URL. Hover over any links to see where they lead.

·  If you are unsure whether an email request is legitimate, try to verify it by contacting the company directly. Report suspected phishing emails to phishing@visa.com

·  Keep a clean machine. Make sure you keep your anti-virus software up to date.

Digital Wallet Services Security

Digital wallets services can hold personal data, including your payment account numbers, passwords and personal information.  Similar to the way you protect your physical wallet, it’s important to protect your digital wallet.

Keep three letters in mind to “L-O-K” access to your money and keep it safe:

·  Lock it down – Protect the devices you use both physically and with passwords/passphrases

·  Only you can access sensitive information – Safeguard sensitive data, including passwords, PINs, and answers to security questions

·  Know who to call – Before anything happens, know who to call if there are issues

Online

From spyware to shady merchants, the threat of online fraud is real, but you are the best line of defense. The key to combating online fraud is knowing what threats exist and taking easy steps to beat them.

To prevent online fraud:

·  Keep current with your software and virus protection

·  Create strong passwords

·  Ignore emails from senders you don’t know

·  Use your pop-up blocker

·  Download files only from sites you know

·  Sign up for email/text "transaction alerts" from your bank to keep track of your purchases

·  Activate Verified by Visa for added security

Travel

Don’t let fraud ruin the trip of a lifetime. Take these few easy measures before you leave.

Travel smart, travel safe:

·  Tell your card issuer where you’re headed and for how long

·  Note card numbers, balances and issuer phone numbers and keep them in a safe place

·  Save and check all receipts against your statement

·  Don’t leave cards unattended

From news about the latest scams to the smartest prevention tips, knowledge is the key to beating fraud. Learn more about the simple steps you can take to fight fraud in Visa Security Sense.

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·  If your card is lost or stolen, call your issuer – the bank that issued your card – as soon as possible.

·  Keep an eye on your statements and look for any suspicious activity. Report them to your issuer.

·  If you need further help, call Visa Global Customer Assistance Services toll-free within the United States at 1-800-847-2911 or call 1-410-581-9994. From outside the U.S., please click here for a full listing of local numbers.

Data Compromises

·  If you received a letter from a merchant or other business that your card information may have been stolen or accessed from their systems by a hacker or criminal, keep in mind that most stolen data is never actually used for fraudulent charges.

·  Issuers and Visa monitor transactions for fraud and work to decline them before they happen.

·  Visa’s zero liability policy protects cardholders if fraudulent Visa transactions do occur.

·  Keep an eye on your statements and look for any suspicious activity. Report them to your issuer.

Identity Theft

·  If you believe you may be a victim of identity theft where someone has opened an account or obtained credit in your name, contact Call for Action at 1-866-ID-HOTLINE or visit www.callforaction.org. for free confidential assistance.

Here are some steps to help restore your identity:

·  Minimize impact. Contact each of the three credit agencies (www.equifax.com; www.experian.com; www.transunion.com) to place a fraud alert on your credit report.

·  Contact local police. File a police report for every locale where the fraud has occurred.

·  Contact creditors on fraudulent accounts. If new accounts have been opened in your name, you'll need to contact each creditor by phone and in writing.

·  Contact existing creditors. Contact your financial institution immediately.

Deceptive Marketing Practices

·  If you discover charges on your card statement that you don’t remember authorizing, you may have been a victim of deceptive marketing practices.

·  Try to resolve the issue with the merchant directly.

·  If you’re not able to get help from the merchant, contact your issuer to dispute the charge.

·  Report your experience to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/complaint or Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.