At Hawaii SHIP, we believe that protecting your financial health is just as important as protecting your physical health. Credit card fraud is one of the most common forms of identity theft, making up nearly 28% of all identity theft reports according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Fortunately, with the right knowledge and tools, you can minimize your risk. Here’s what you need to know about credit card fraud protection and how you can stay safe.
Credit card fraud protection shields you from unauthorized purchases made on your card. Thanks to the Fair Credit Billing Act, your liability is limited to $50 if your card is stolen and used without your permission.
Even better, many credit card issuers now offer zero-liability policies, meaning you aren’t responsible for fraudulent charges at all.
Credit card companies also work behind the scenes with:
Complex fraud detection algorithms
Card lock features via mobile apps
Virtual card numbers for safer online shopping
Contactless payment technology for added security.
Here are simple steps you can take to protect your credit card information:
Keep your cards safe: Store them securely and use digital wallets when possible.
Recognize phishing scams: Avoid clicking suspicious links in emails or texts.
Use a VPN: Protect your data when using public Wi-Fi.
Monitor your accounts regularly: Check transactions weekly and set up alerts.
Check your credit report: Regular monitoring can catch signs of identity theft early.
If you ever notice suspicious activity, report it immediately to your credit card company, file a police report, and notify the FTC.
Credit monitoring services provide real-time alerts about changes to your credit report, helping you act quickly if fraud occurs. Services like Experian’s free credit monitoring can make it easier to stay informed.
While Hawaii SHIP specializes in Medicare counseling, we care deeply about protecting our kūpuna’s overall well-being — including your financial security.
📞 Call us at 808-586-7299 or TTY 1-866-810-4379
🌐 Visit hawaiiship.org
Stay informed. Stay protected. Together, we can build a safer, healthier Hawaii!
