4 of the Best Credit Cards for Fraud Protection- Sheiresa Ngo

 

Source: Thinkstock

If you’ve ever been a victim of credit card fraud, you know how disconcerting it can be. A recent Gallup study finds that roughly 69% of Americans worry about having their credit card information stolen by hackers targeting stores. Smartphone and computer hacking was second, with 62% reporting fears about this crime. In fact, consumers reported that they worry about data breaches more than any other crime they were polled about.

The Gallup report also revealed that 27% of Americans said they or another member of their household had information from a credit card stolen by hackers within the last year. So what can you do about credit card fraud?

“We all can take some proactive steps to help decrease our chances of becoming a victim of credit card fraud. Be careful of the websites that you use to shop online. Check to make sure that it’s a reputable website before you enter your credit card information,” says Certified Public Accountant and Attorney Sonya Smith-Valentine.

Smith-Valentine recommends filing a police report and placing a freeze on your credit if you discover that you have become a victim of credit card fraud.

“Contact the credit card company immediately so they can cancel your card. Also, let the company know which charges you didn’t make. Place a freeze on your credit reports so the thief can’t open any new accounts with your information. Also review your credit reports to see if there are any new accounts you didn’t open. Also make sure to file a police report. Many credit card companies will ask for a police report,” says Smith-Valentine.

Under federal law, consumers are generally liable up to $50 for fraudulent credit and debt-signature card transactions. Debit-PIN transactions have no liability coverage unless it cannot be proven that you provided the PIN that was used to withdraw the money. A report by Cardhub provides a list of the best credit cards when it comes to fraud protection. Most of the credit cards on this list offer coverage beyond federal limits.

 

John Moore/Getty Images

4. American Express

---

Consumer Liability:

• Credit: $0
• Debit (signature): $0 (This refers to prepaid debit cards; American Express does not offer traditional debit cards
• Debit (PIN): Not applicable (American Express does not offer debit cards with PINs)
• ATM transactions: $0

For more information, read about American Express’ fraud protection.

 

Source: Thinkstock

3. Discover

---

Consumer Liability:

• Credit: $0
• Debit (Signature): $0
• Debit (PIN): $0
• ATM transactions: $0

For more information, read about Discover’s fraud protection.

 

Source: Thinkstock

2.  MasterCard

---

Consumer Liability:

• Credit: $0
• Debit (signature): $0
• Debit (PIN): $0 liability if the transaction is processed by MasterCard. There is no liability protection above what the law provides if transaction is not processed by MasterCard.
• ATM transactions: Federal law applies.

For more information, see MasterCard’s Zero Liability Policy.

 

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

1. Visa

---

Consumer Liability:

• Credit: $0
• Debit (signature): $0
• Debit (PIN): $0 liability if the transaction is processed by Visa. There is no additional liability protection above what the law provides if the transaction is not processed by Visa.
• ATM Transactions: Liability is with the issuer.

 Note that the zero liability does not apply to transactions made through Visa corporate or Visa purchasing card or account transactions.

For more information, see Visa’s  Zero Liability Policy.

Culled from wallstreetcheatsheet