When purchasing items with a credit or debit card online – or over the counter – there are precautions you need to take.
● Use a credit card rather than a debit card. Under federal law, your personal liability for fraudulent charges on a credit card can’t exceed $50. But if a fraudster uses your debit card, you could be liable for $500 or more.
● Use a prepaid gift card if you don’t have a credit card. But be extra vigilant of emails requesting payment be made in gift cards. It’s ok if you are the one initiating the purchase. ● Keep the line of credit low for all cards.
● Do not use cards that are linked to an autopay billing account or accounts that receive scheduled payments or benefits, such as your retirement pension, investment dividends and social security benefits.
● Keep records of all your online transactions, including emails and delivery notifications.
● Check your financial statements weekly for unauthorized transactions; report them to your financial institution and law enforcement.
● Do not use your mobile phone to conduct financial transactions, such as checking your financial statements. Use your home computer and check to make sure your Wi-Fi is secured.
● Use the card’s chip technology instead of swiping. The chip makes it harder for the scammer to access account information compared to the data on the card’s magnetic strip.
THE DEPARTMENT OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
1060 Richards St., Honolulu, HI 96813
808-768-7400 | Office hrs: Mon – Fri, 7:45 am – 4:30 pm
www.honoluluprosecutor.org/contact-us/
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