As a consumer, protecting the money you work hard for is critical. Unfortunately, you may find that others do not share the same sentiment, instead turning to scams, fraud, and crime to make their living. As such, if you have reason to believe you are the victim of credit card scams in California, it’s imperative to understand the next steps you should take. The following blog explores the most common scams you should be alert to as a consumer and the importance of connecting with a Los Angeles, California unauthorized credit card transactions lawyer to assist you if you have been targeted.
What Credit Card Scams Are Common in CA?
One of the most common credit card scams in California utilizes devices known as “skimmers.” These devices are outfitted to card readers at different terminals, like ATMs, gas pumps, and even the card reader in retail stores. When you insert your credit card to pay, the card skimmer records your card information and stores it on the device or sends it to a nearby phone. As such, thieves can use your card information for purchases and other forms of identity theft.
Another common scam is referred to as “card-not-present” fraud. This kind of fraud involves using a stolen card or stolen card details to make an online transaction. Because the physical card is not present in a store, it can be difficult to detect when these transactions are fraudulent, as the merchant has no way of verifying the information. While some stores may take measures to confirm ZIP codes or CVV codes, these measures are not always implemented.
What Should I Do if I Believe I’m a Victim?
If you have reason to believe you are a victim of credit card fraud, whether you’ve discovered unauthorized transactions on your statement or your physical card was stolen, it’s important to understand the steps you should take to protect yourself. Generally, one of the most important steps in this process is to contact your card issuer to dispute the charges. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you have 60 days from the transaction to file a dispute with your card company. In most instances, you assume limited liability, usually $50, for unauthorized transactions, though many companies will waive this liability for you.
Writing a dispute letter can be incredibly difficult, as you’ll need to be thorough and detailed. Additionally, despite writing this letter, you may find that the card company may not remove the fraudulent charge from your account. In both instances, connecting with an attorney can help. Not only can they assist you in writing a thorough dispute letter, but they can help hold the card company liable for failing to remedy the fraud.
When you are impacted by credit card scams, ensuring you connect with the team at Los Angeles Legal Solutions is critical. Our firm understands how difficult these matters can be, which is why our team is dedicated to helping you through these difficult times. When you need assistance, contact us to learn how we can fight for your rights as a consumer.
