Withdrawals, local currency exchange, card payments... Here are the main charges and how to avoid them.
Do debits to your bank account seem suspicious? Do you not recognise certain payments? You could be the victim of a fraud or a bank card scam. If you have any doubts: here's how to react.
The first step is to check that these are fraudulent payments, as in some cases it may be a mistake or an oversight. Therefore :
You have analysed your movements and payments, and you still have a doubt? Then go to the next step.
Fraudulent payments made from a bank account generally have similarities:
If you see any of these characteristics and do not remember making these payments, then you are potentially a victim of a credit card scam. There are two ways in which the fraudsters could have obtained your credit card numbers:
Fraudsters will then take advantage of your bank card to make payments on sites that do not have 3D Secure authentication systems. They will be able to pay without verifying their identity, and will then proceed to debit your bank account as quickly as possible, before you block your card.
Internet scams
The most common Internet scam is the Phishing It is an email or SMS that pretends to be a well-known company and asks for your credit card numbers. It is a scam: the fraudsters use the company's image and make you believe that it is an official communication.
This is some examples of phishing situations :
Some tips to avoid falling into the trap:
To put it plainly: as a matter of principle, always be wary of communications that ask you for personal or banking information. If the reason is really important, the company or administration will send you a letter by post, or the customer service department will call you directly.
Theft of card numbers in shops
The most common physical scams are carried out by some unscrupulous traders.
These situations are rare, but they do exist. For example, when making a payment, always keep your bank card in your hand Do not leave it to anyone else.
You have identified that you are a victim of credit card fraud? Here is how to react:
If you have given your credit card numbers to a stranger on the Internet, stop payment immediately and block your card. This will prevent the thieves from using your card to make payments for you. Then contact your bank advisor to inform him/her of the situation. He or she will tell you what to do next.
In the event of a bank card scam, here are the steps to follow: first, check that you have indeed noticed fraudulent payments on your account or that you have given your card numbers to an unknown person on the Internet. Next, stop payment and block your card. Thieves will no longer be able to use it to debit your account. Finally, contact your bank to ask for a refund of the stolen money and to order a new bank card so that you can pay again. However, some banks will charge you for sending a new card.
It depends on your bank and the extent of the scam. In general, refunds following credit card fraud take 3 weeks to 1 month. But it can take longer. Ask your bank about their repayment terms.
There are two cases:
- You have just given your credit card numbers on the Internet and have a doubt afterwards Check the email address of the sender or the domain name of the website where you entered your numbers. Most scammers pose as a known organisation (internet provider, mobile phone provider, parcel carrier, POST, tax office, CNS...) and then ask for your card. If the email address or the website address is different from the formats used by the organisation in question, block your payment methods and contact your bank.
- You notice several suspicious payments on your bank account Try to remember any unusual trips, activities or payments you may have made on that date. If the amounts are numerous, similar and do not remind you of anything, then stop your card and inform your bank advisor.
You cannot trace the fraudster who used your bank card: most of the time, thieves make purchases or use false addresses. However, you can ask your bank to reimburse you.
Yes, do not give out your bank card under any circumstances. Even if you are a customer, if a shopkeeper wants to take your card to make a payment, we advise you to refuse to give it to him. Instead, ask him to bring the payment terminal to you. You will make the payment, and you will keep control of your card.
The most well-known fraud is phishing: scammers pretend to be a well-known company and send you an email or SMS asking for your credit card numbers. Most of the time, the fraudsters then use your credit card numbers to make purchases on the Internet for you. They use websites that do not require Luxtrust or 3D Secure authentication. This allows them to make many purchases and easily steal the money in your bank account. If you notice any fraudulent payments on your account, stop your card immediately and inform your bank advisor.
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