Review bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized charges

Check your bank and credit card statements at least weekly for charges you do not recognize. Set up transaction alerts in your banking app so you receive a push notification for every purchase. Early detection limits damage from compromised card numbers.

Why It Works

Most fraud starts small — attackers test stolen card numbers with tiny charges ($1-5) before making larger purchases. Catching these test charges early lets you freeze the card before significant damage occurs.

Tips

• Set alerts for all transactions or transactions above a low threshold ($1)
• Report unauthorized charges immediately — federal law limits your liability to $50 on credit cards if reported promptly
• Check for small recurring charges — these may be subscriptions an attacker signed up for
• Request a new card number if you spot unauthorized activity, even if the charge was small