When you learn that someone has been using your credit card, it can be incredibly frustrating. Not only can this leave you on the hook for considerable funds, but you’ll find that disputing fraudulent charges can be a significant hassle. Unfortunately, however, credit card fraud may soon be the least of your worries, as this can unfortunately lead to full-blown identity theft. As such, understanding what credit card fraud is and how it can impact your identity is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about these complex issues and the importance of working with a Michigan identity theft lawyer to help you reclaim your identity.
What Is Credit Card Fraud?
Credit card fraud occurs any time someone uses your credit card, whether the physical card itself or the information on the card, to make purchases in your name. In many instances, this theft is digital, as many online retailers and other platforms will store your credit card information. As such, if these servers are compromised in a data breach, you’ll find that hackers will often take all of the data stored on these websites to sell to others on the dark web.
However, your card can also be compromised in other ways. For example, if you insert your card into a reader at a point of sale terminal, gas station, or ATM, it could be outfitted with a skimming device. These devices will glean the information from your card, storing it on a chip for the thief to recover when they remove the device.
How Can This Lead to Identity Theft in Michigan?
While your credit card may be the primary target of the theft, this can lead to additional issues, including identity theft. In using your information, the thief can access your sensitive personal information through the use of your credit card details. For example, they may be able to access your online credit card account, which can store sensitive information like your full name, address, and email, which can then be used to steal your identity.
As such, you should take steps to protect yourself and your information. If you are the victim of credit card theft, you should immediately contact the credit reporting bureaus to place a fraud alert on your account. This will prevent additional accounts from being opened in your name, as the creditor must confirm your identity before extending new lines of credit. You should also report the fraud to all impacted accounts, including your credit card issuer, as they can assist you in closing the card and obtaining a new one.
As you can see, navigating the aftermath of credit card fraud can be incredibly difficult. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with Lyngklip & Associates to explore your legal options. Our firm will do everything in our power to help you reclaim your identity and fight for the best possible outcome. When you need help, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.
