Credit card fraud is a prevalent risk due to data breaches affecting businesses that store credit card information, impacting customers across various industries. Thieves have adapted to chip cards by using “shimmers” to read chip-based cards, posing a risk for suspicious transactions and account takeovers.

Gas stations are vulnerable to credit card theft as fraudsters install skimmers and cameras on pumps to capture PINs. The Secret Service has intervened in credit card theft cases, prompting customers to report any fraudulent charges immediately to their issuers to address account breaches.

Attending events where vendors may be fraudulent poses a risk to credit card information, leaving accounts susceptible to fraud. Restaurants not swiping cards in visible locations can lead to unauthorized charges beyond meal costs. Large retail stores, while seemingly secure, are also targeted by thieves due to the high volume of transactions.

Online transactions can expose credit card information to malware, interception, or retailer data breaches. To protect against theft, follow safety tips like using high-visibility ATMs, checking gas station readers, and avoiding suspicious card readers. Regularly monitor account statements for unauthorized charges and report any issues promptly to issuers.

In case of card theft, report it to your issuer immediately to limit liability. Debit card theft has varying liability based on reporting timing, with early reporting reducing liability. Send a written statement to the issuer for documentation, follow up on the incident, and set a new PIN for the replacement card upon receipt.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: 6 Riskiest Places To Swipe Your Credit Card and How To Thwart Thieves