Like the angry “white whale” in “Moby Dick” that rammed and sunk the whaling ship, criminals will try to ram your savings and credit and, if they’re successful, your credit rating will also consequently sink like a stone.
“Don’t let yourself be dragged into the deep by thieves, don’t think you can outsmart criminals, and don’t sit on your hands if you do get ripped off,” said Barry Moore, President of the BBB serving Central Virginia. “Contact your bank, your credit/debit card company, and the BBB (bbb.org); let people know right away,” Moore added.
Better Business Bureau serving Central Virginia has some suggestions for consumers concerned that their credit or debit cards may have been compromised by a data breach.
1. Remain calm. Consumers aren’t liable for fraudulent charges on stolen account numbers.
2. Check with the website of the company that was breached for the latest information. Type the company name directly into your browser. Do NOT click on a link from an email or social media message.
3. If a credit card has been compromised, you’ll likely hear from the bank or card-issuer first. If you’ve questions, call the customer service number on your card.
4. Consider putting a credit freeze or fraud alert on your credit reports with the three major credit reporting agencies (BBB.org/creditfreeze). A credit freeze will prevent anyone from accessing your credit report or scores. This means you cannot apply for new credit without lifting the freeze. A fraud alert flags your account, but does not automatically halt new credit being opened in your name.
5. AnnualCreditReport.com is the only website authorized by the Federal Trade Commission to provide you with a free annual credit report. Be wary of ads, emails, and social media messages for other services. Everyone should check their credit reports annually, whether or not they have been the victim of a data breach.
6. If your credit card(s) has been breached:
· Monitor your credit card statements often and carefully (go online; don’t wait for the paper statement) if not daily.
· If you see a fraudulent charge, report it to your bank or credit card issuer immediately so the charge can be reversed and a new card issued.
· Keep receipts in case you need to prove which charges you authorized and which ones you didn’t.
7. If your debit card has been breached:
· Do all of the above as for credit cards, but pay very careful attention to your account. Debit cards do not have the same protections as credit cards and debit transactions withdraw funds directly from your bank account.
· Contact your bank for more information, or if you want to pre-emptively request a new debit card or put a security block on your account.
8. Beware of scammers who say they’re from the retailer, your bank, or your credit card issuer, and telling you that your card was compromised and suggesting actions to “fix” the problem. Phishing emails may attempt to fool you into providing your credit card information, or ask you to click on a link or open an attachment, which can download malware onto your computer.
For all businesses that collect customer information:
· Check out BBB’s online guide 5 Steps to Better Business Cybersecurity for free information on how to create a data security plan.
· Make sure you protect your customers’ data. Data breaches can happen to any business.
For more information on employment scams, visit BBB Scam Tracker.
