What To Do If A Scammer Has Your Credit Card No?
-
By Farrukh Mushtaq
Farrukh Mushtaq
See author profileFarrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.
-
24 March 2025
-
12 mins read
Scammers have new ways to exploit your information for their gain. Protecting your credit card details is a necessity. This guide covers what must be done if a scammer has your credit card number and the preventive steps you must take to keep your data safe.
What Should You Do If Your Credit Card No. Is Hacked?
Once you discover that your Credit Card No. has been compromised, you must act fast to avoid financial loss.
- Contact Your Credit Card Issuer Immediately
First of all, report the fraudulent activity and request that your card be immediately canceled. You will get a new card with a new credit card number.
- Review Your Recent Transactions
Note the specifics of recent activity, such as the date and amount of transactions for any unauthorized purchases.
- Change Your Online Account Passwords
Change your password if the card was accessed through an online account. Remember to keep unguessable passwords.
- Check Your Credit Report & Fraud Alert
Review your credit reports and enable a fraud alert. You can also freeze your credit, making it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
How To Prevent Your Credit Card No. From Leaking?
Protecting your credit card number requires vigilance. Use it on secure websites with https and a padlock, avoid public WiFi for sensitive transactions, and use strong, unique passwords.
Discover if Your Most Critical Identifiers Have Been Exposed on the Dark Web
Receive timely alerts and actionable insights with PurePrivacy's Dark Web Monitoring.
Be wary of phishing attempts and keep your software updated. Keep your documents with card details safe, protect your physical cards, and regularly review statements. Be cautious of skimming devices, limit sharing your number, and consider a credit freeze or fraud alert for added security. Plus, regularly monitor your credit report for any suspicious activity.
What Can Scammers Do With My Credit Card No?
The most obvious danger is unauthorized purchases. Scammers would buy anything online or in person.
They can also use your card details to subscribe to services or memberships, leading to recurring charges. If security measures are not taken in time, your data might be sold on the dark web.
On the dark web, your credit card no could be sold multiple times for identity theft and opening new accounts in your name. In short, your financial state and identity are at risk if your credit card number is in the hands of scammers.
How to Find Out If Your Credit Card No. Is on the Dark Web?
Scammers, intruders, and hackers aim to benefit from your personal information. They usually gather your data to sell it on the dark web. Remember, once your data is on the dark web, it cannot be removed, but it will be used by various criminals in various ways.
PureVPN’s dark web monitoring helps track the critical identifiers that might have ended up on the dark web so you can take the necessary precautions before your sensitive data is exploited.
Interested reading :
- What to Do If a Scammer Has Your Email Address
- What To Do If A Scammer Has Your SSN
- What To Do If A Scammer Has Your Phone Number
How to Enable Dark Web Monitoring on PureVPN
- Install PureVPN on your device or update your existing VPN app.
- Visit the Members Area to get access.
- Go to Dark Web Monitoring from the main menu.
- Select Add Assets to Monitor.
- Add your email address, Credit Card No., credit card number, passport number, and Credit Card No..
- Mention the code sent to your registered number, and you’re done.
7. Take the recommended steps if your data is part of a breach.
8. You can mark the breaches as resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What can a scammer do with my Credit Card No.?
You are at a great risk of financial loss if a scammer has your credit card number. They can make purchases, sign up for subscriptions, sell your data on the dark web, and drain your bank accounts.
-
How do I know if my Credit Card No. is being used for fraud?
There are some signs to help you understand if your card is being used for fraud. Look for charges you do not recognize, look for changes in account details, new account inquiries on your credit report, and a fraud alert through your bank.
-
How can I prevent scammers from getting my Credit Card No.?
You must stay cautious and only shop on reputable websites, use unique, complex passwords for online accounts, refrain from online shopping on unsecured public WiFi, and do not click links or provide information in suspicious emails or calls.
-
Can scammers hack my bank account with just a Credit Card No.?
No, a credit card number alone isn't enough to directly hack a bank account, but scammers can use it to gain other personal details, which, combined with the credit card number, could be used to access your bank account.
-
What should I do if I accidentally give my information to a scammer?
You must immediately report the fraud and request a new card. Change passwords for all online accounts, especially those related to finances, keep a close eye on your credit card and bank statements, and contact the credit bureaus to protect your credit.
Final Thoughts
Your Credit Card No. is an important asset. Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, making vigilance a necessity. By understanding the risks, taking preventive measures, and knowing how to react when breaches occur, you can minimize the damage.
