Amid the holiday season, concern is growing about the ongoing threat of credit card fraud. Attorney General Dana Nessel has updated her consumer alert on credit card safety, noting the increased risk of scams during this time of year. The Attorney General's office has outlined a set of guidelines designed to help individuals protect their financial information from potential cyber threats.
"Having a credit card may be beneficial, but it is important to remember that fraudsters are always on the hunt for credit card numbers, passwords or PINs," Nessel said in her announcement. The protective measures range from the basic—like keeping your credit card secure and your PIN private—to the technological, encouraging the use of multi-factor authentication and vigilance when it comes to online transactions.
Part of these preventative steps include keeping an eye out for skimmers at ATMs and gas stations, regularly checking your credit card statements for any anomalies, and exercising caution when using your credit card over the phone, particularly if the call is unsolicited. Additionally, Nessel advises consumers to be judicious about the information they share online and to use secure payment options when shopping on the internet, like online payment systems or mobile payment services.
The recommendations go beyond that. For individuals who use smartphones for financial transactions, digital wallets are recommended as a secure option, providing an additional layer of encryption to protect personal information. Nessel also advises caution when using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions, as these networks can be vulnerable to cybercriminal activity.
For consumers who encounter disputed charges, the recommended course of action is to contact the credit card company promptly to address the issue. In cases where individuals fall victim to scams, the Attorney General's office provides a means of recourse through its Consumer Protection Team, with contact details readily available for reporting incidents.
