Many people think credit card fraud won’t happen to them—until it does. Unfortunately, this growing issue affects millions of people each year. With the rise of online shopping and digital transactions, fraudsters have more ways than ever to access your account information.

At Direct Federal, we’re committed to keeping your financial security a top priority. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself before it’s too late.

How Does Credit Card Fraud Happen?

Credit card fraud occurs when someone uses your card without authorization to make purchases or withdraw funds. While traditional theft—like purse snatching—still happens, scammers now rely on digital tactics such as:

• Data breaches that expose credit card information
• Phishing scams tricking users into revealing details
• Card skimmers at ATMs and gas stations
• Unsecured online shopping sites that capture payment info

How to Prevent Credit Card Fraud

While fraud is a serious threat, you can stay ahead of scammers by following these smart security practices:

Protect Your Online Information

• Use strong, unique passwords for online banking and shopping
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible
• Avoid saving card details on public or shared devices

Limit Information Sharing

• Never lend your credit card to anyone
• Be mindful of what personal details you share on social media
• Keep your account numbers private and secure

Shred Sensitive Documents

• Dispose of old credit cards, bank statements, and pre-approved offers properly

Monitor Your Statements Regularly

• Review your bank and credit card statements for suspicious charges
• Set up real-time alerts for transactions on your account: OLB Alerts >

Be Aware of Phishing Scams

• Don’t click on suspicious emails, texts, or pop-ups asking for personal details
• Avoid "too-good-to-be-true" sweepstakes or giveaways

What to Do If Your Card Is Lost or Stolen

If you suspect credit card fraud or lose your card:

1. Call Direct Federal immediately at 888.2DIRECT‍
2. Monitor your transactions and report any suspicious activity
3. Request a replacement card and update your payment details

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Stay Secure with Direct Federal

At Direct Federal, we are committed to keeping your financial information safe. By staying vigilant and following these precautions, you can reduce your risk of fraud and enjoy peace of mind with every transaction.

For more security tips and fraud prevention resources, visit our Identity Protection Resource Center or call 888.2DIRECT.

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