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3 Steps to Take When You Suspect Fraud on Your Credit Card

Last Updated: October 17, 2023
4 min read

Table of contents

Key points:

  1. If you see an unfamiliar name on a charge, before reporting the purchase as fraud, research it to make sure it’s not simply just billed under a different company name.

  2. When fraud is detected, your credit card issuer will typically freeze your account to prevent further fraudulent activity.

  3. Discover Identity Theft Protection may be able to help protect your information.

When you see fraudulent activity on your credit card statement — often an unfamiliar charge — what is your first reaction? Reach for the phone? Cut up your cards?

When you don’t recognize a charge, it could be for a variety of reasons. It could be a fraudulent charge, but it’s also possible that a retailer bills under a different name, or maybe an authorized user on your card made the purchase without informing you. Either way — if the card was stolen or not — there are three steps you can take if you notice fraudulent activity.

1. Research first

Before you report fraudulent activity, be sure that the purchase in question is not simply a legitimate one billed under a name you don’t recognize. Is the amount of the charge familiar? Can you call the retailer to see how they bill?

If you are unable to confirm the charge, the next step is to speak with any other users who have access to the card, such as other family members on a joint card or any authorized user you may have named.

2. Call the card issuer

If you believe the transaction in question indicates fraudulent activity, then it’s time to contact your card issuer directly. (You do not go to the merchant in question, as you would with a delivery dispute or other issue.) For example, to report fraudulent activity, Discover cardmembers would call 1-866-240-7938 to talk with a credit card fraud specialist, or could also call the Customer Service number on the back of their credit card.

Every issuer has its own procedures for handling fraud concerns, so calling the customer service number on the back of your card is a good place to start. It’s important to specify to your issuer that the origin of the charge is unknown and that you may be a victim of fraud.

To make things as easy as possible, be sure to have all the details about the charge: the name of the retailer, the date of purchase, the purchase amount, and any other related factors. Providing the relevant information will make it easier for your issuer not only to identify the transaction but also to trigger its fraud response actions.

3. What happens next

When fraud is suspected, your issuer typically will freeze your account immediately to prevent further unauthorized activity and the fraud team will open an investigation.

You can expect to be asked to stop using all cards, PINs, and checks associated with your credit card account because your issuer will provide you with a new card. A temporary credit will be issued to your account while the fraudulent activity is under investigation.

Discover cardmembers have a $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee, you’re never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card account.1

Helping ensure you’re not a victim

Because your digital DNA is everywhere, you should consider something to protect it. Discover offers you an option for protecting your identity and personally identifiable information: Discover Identity Theft Protection. For a small monthly charge, this comprehensive service offers: three bureau credit alerts – when key changes2 are reported to your credit file; bank account alerts – if a bank account in your name opens or updates at any one of thousands of financial institutions we monitor every day, and more. You can also access up to $1MM Identity Theft Insurance – for legal expenses, reimbursement of stolen funds, lost wages, and more covered expenses;3 and you get our 100% U.S. - based resolution support for any unrecognized alert activity.6

Did you know?

Discover’s Identity Theft Protection goes above and beyond what other similar products offer. You can get credit balance, limit, and utilization alerts – when significant changes4 are reported to Experian®, and identity verification alerts – when someone answers Experian® verification questions5 to access or create an account in your name.

By taking advantage of the various protections that are available — and applying some common sense in how you handle your sensitive information — you can enjoy added peace of mind, while also being better protected from becoming a victim.

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  1. $0 Fraud Liability: An “unauthorized purchase” is a purchase where you have not given access to your card information to another person or a merchant for one-time or repeated charges. Please use reasonable care to protect your card and do not share it with employees, relatives, or friends. Learn more at Discover.com/fraudFAQ.

  2. Key changes include: New accounts, credit inquiries, address changes, potentially negative information such as delinquencies, and public records This product can only be agreed upon, purchased and delivered online. It is optional and voluntary. Full Terms and Conditionsopens modal dialog
  3. Identity Theft Protection: Identity Theft Insurance is underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies described. Please refer to the actual policies for terms, conditions, and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions. Review the Summary of Benefits: NY Onlyopens modal dialog or All Other Statesopens modal dialog.

    This product can only be agreed upon, purchased and delivered online. It is optional and voluntary. Full Terms and Conditionsopens modal dialog
  4. Alerts for credit balance changes greater than $5000, credit limit changes greater than $100, or credit utilization changes greater than 30% reported to Experian®.

    This product can only be agreed upon, purchased and delivered online. It is optional and voluntary. Full Terms and Conditionsopens modal dialog
  5. Experian® PreciseIDSM is a tool that companies use for identity authentication/validation. It is not used by all lenders or companies.
    This product can only be agreed upon, purchased and delivered online. It is optional and voluntary. Full Terms and Conditionsopens modal dialog
  6. Discover® Identity Alerts (Alerts) are offered by Discover Bank at no cost, are available only online, and do not impact your credit score. The Alerts currently provide: (a) daily monitoring of your Experian® credit report and an alert when a new inquiry or account is listed on your report; (b) daily monitoring of thousands of Dark Web sites known for revealing personal information and an alert if your Social Security Number is found on such a website. Alerts are only provided to Primary cardmembers who agree to receive them online and whose accounts are open, in good standing, have a Social Security Number, and an email address on file. This benefit may change or end in the future. Discover Bank is not a credit repair organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. To see a list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit discover.com/freealerts.

  • Legal Disclaimer: This site is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice. The material on this site is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and does not indicate the availability of any Discover product or service. It does not guarantee that Discover offers or endorses a product or service. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, you may wish to consult a qualified professional.