Credit Card Fraud Prevention: A Must-Know in Guadeloupe

As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported in 2023, credit card fraud remains the top type of identity theft. In Guadeloupe, where the use of credit cards is widespread, understanding how to secure your account and monitor for potential scams is crucial.

Securing Your Credit Card Account

Best Practices

• Do not share your account numbers or passwords with anyone. • Refrain from giving out information over the phone unless initiated by you. • Never lend your card to others. • Shred old statements and receipts when disposing of them.

Staying Safe Online

Tips for Secure Shopping

• Use multifactor authentication if available. • Create unique passwords for each online account. • Avoid unsecured websites. • Be cautious with public Wi-Fi. • Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) or personal hotspot.

Phishing Scams

Be aware of phishing scams that attempt to steal your personal and financial information. Stay vigilant and never respond to suspicious emails or messages that ask for sensitive information.

Credit Card Skimmers

Protecting Your Card

• Inspect card readers carefully before inserting your card, especially at ATMs, fuel pumps, and point-of-sale devices.

Monitoring Your Credit Reports and Scores

Detecting Fraud

Monitor your credit reports and scores regularly to detect signs of fraud such as:

• Unauthorized changes to your report • Unexplained drops in your score

One way to do this is through CreditWise from Capital One, which provides access to your TransUnion credit report and VantageScore 3.0 credit score.

Capital One Security Features

Built-in Protection

Capital One offers built-in security features, including:

• Virtual cards • $0 liability for unauthorized charges • Card lock • Fraud alerts

These features help protect your account and provide peace of mind when shopping online or using your card in person.

Conclusion

By understanding these credit card safety tips and utilizing the security features offered by Capital One, individuals in Guadeloupe can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to credit card fraud and identity theft. Stay informed, stay safe!