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How to stop unauthorized credit card charges

Monitor your card activity so you can immediately take action if something goes wrong.

Whether it’s due to card theft, account hacking or perhaps even a glitch in payment processing, unauthorized credit card transactions are certainly something you want to avoid. While there are fraud protection policies in place to help safeguard you against such events, there are instances when you may become liable for the losses arising from such transactions.

What to do when you think your credit card is compromised

After the initial stress of finding out unauthorized charges on your credit card account, take a deep breath and calm down. Everything can be resolved.

  1. Lock your card. Some cards let you lock or freeze your credit card online or through your mobile app. If this is a possibility — use it.
  2. Call your credit card provider. If your card is physically present, call the number on the back of it. Otherwise, look for a contact number on your credit card statement or online. Credit card providers have zero liability policies through which you’re not held liable for unauthorized charges you report to your card issuer.
  3. Review your credit card transactions. Make sure you note all transactions you didn’t make. You can also check your other credit card transactions (from other cards and/or previous statements) to make sure they aren’t compromised as well.
  4. Change your password and PIN. Proceed to change your password and credit card PIN to prevent additional unauthorized charges.
  5. Call the credit bureaus. If multiple credit card accounts are compromised, call the credit bureaus. In this case, you may also call the police and file a report — especially, if you suspect identity theft.

More tips for avoiding unauthorized credit card transactions

These 10 tips will help you minimize the risk of an unauthorized credit card transaction:

  • Monitor your credit card transactions.
    If an unauthorized transaction is made, it will show up on your credit card account and statement. Take the time to review your statement details regularly and be on the lookout for any unauthorized transactions. Luckily, most card issuers will notify you if they suspect fraudulent activity.
  • Keep your PIN or other card details safe.
    You may not be able to get your money back if you’re careless with your PIN or password.
  • Only make payments through secure services.
    You should only conduct online payments on websites that have “https” at the beginning of the URL along with a locked padlock symbol. Also, you shouldn’t use your card when using public connections such as free Wi-Fi networks in cafés or airports. These networks are less secure than private, password-protected connections, and the risk of hackers accessing your data is higher.
  • Get up-to-date antivirus software.
    Stay protected with anti-spyware and antivirus software, especially if you often transact over the Internet. This will protect your accounts from online hacking.
  • Be prudent on the Internet.
    Many online accounts and services now suggest you store your credit card details for ease of payment. The problem is that some of these services hold enough personal details about you for a hacker to be able to steal your identity.
    This makes it important to protect your accounts by limiting the information you provide and using complicated and varied passwords. Practice safe email protocol, and don’t open messages from unknown senders.

  • Look for signs of tampered devices.
    This relates to credit card skimming and is very important at ATMs and stores where you use your card. Look out for irregularities when at the ATM, particularly for machine parts that look unusual, are loose or that look overly new compared to the parts surrounding it. When paying in a store, make sure your card stays within sight and only gets swiped once. Always shield your PIN from others’ view when entering it.
  • Report lost or stolen cards.
    Immediately reporting a lost or stolen credit card reduces the window of opportunity for anyone to make any unauthorized transactions. It’s also one of the criteria for fraud protection.
    Even if you think you’ve simply misplaced your card, call your credit card company to inform them so they’ll keep a close eye on your account. You may even be able to freeze your account while looking for your card. For example, Tangerine lets you temporarily freeze your credit card online to prevent unauthorized charges.
  • Keep track of when a new card should arrive in the mail.
    If you’ve applied for a credit card or your old one has expired, make sure you regularly check your mailbox to ensure you receive your new card on time. This will alert you to mail theft that could lead to unauthorized transactions, especially if the card is already enabled for contactless payments.
  • Contact the merchant if there is a processing error.
    This will speed up the resolution process if a transaction has been made by mistake. If you’re in-store when it happens, talk to an employee or manager to see if they can reverse the transaction on the spot. If you’re online, contact customer service so that they can look into it as quickly as possible.
  • Contact your credit card issuer about anything suspicious.
    The rule of thumb is to inform your card issuer about any suspicious activity as soon as you possibly can. If the problem is an unauthorized charge from a merchant you’ve done business with, they may advise you to resolve it directly. However, if it’s fraudulent or not possible for the merchant to reverse the transaction, your credit card issuer will launch an investigation and guide you through the resolution process.

What is an unauthorized credit card transaction?

Unauthorized transactions are payments made by someone else using your credit card account without your approval or knowledge. There are 2 ways this can happen:

  • Processing errors.
    Processing errors occur when you’re making a payment and is usually the result of technical issues with the payment service or Internet connection. For example, you could accidentally be charged 2X for something because of a faulty connection, software glitch or because you reloaded a payment page while shopping online.
    Note that processing errors can occur both through merchants and through credit card issuers. In most cases, you should be able to reverse the charge by contacting the merchant or your credit card issuer directly.
  • Fraudulent transactions.
    Fraudulent transactions are intentional and illegal, and they result from criminal activity that occurs when your credit card account has been compromised. A clear example of credit card fraud is if your card is physically stolen and the thief uses it to make a purchase.
    Similarly, if your card details are stolen through online hacking, that would be considered fraudulent too. In most cases, you will be refunded the full amount of a fraudulent transaction after contacting your credit card company and having them investigate the incident.

Other forms of protection against unauthorized transactions

These are the default forms of protection available to consumers, depending on your card type:

  • Fraud monitoring services.
    Most card companies have internal systems in place to prevent card fraud. This includes sophisticated software and analytics teams that monitor your credit card transactions, who will contact you if they see unusual activity on your account.
    If you don’t inform your card provider before going overseas, they may freeze your account if their fraud-monitoring team thinks that someone has stolen your card and is using it abroad.
    • Chip technology.
      Credit card chip-and-PIN technology offers you greater protection because anyone who steals your card will also need your PIN to use it.
    • Verified by Visa.
      Also known as Visa Secure, is an extra layer of security for Visa cardholders when transacting online with participating merchants. When making payments through the service, a one-time password is sent to your mobile phone to verify your identity and protect your card from use by card thieves.
    • Mastercard SecureCode.
      This is similar to Visa Secure and is the process whereby Mastercard holders receive a security code on their mobile phones that they need to key in to verify online transactions.
    • Zero liability. Both Visa and Mastercard have Zero Liability policies that free you from liability for unauthorized charges made on your account. American Express also offers a Fraud Protection Guarantee that means you won’t pay for unauthorized spending on your card. While the terms and conditions vary slightly for each company, all these policies cover card loss, card theft and card fraud both online and offline.

    Compare credit cards

    Name Product Welcome Offer Rewards Purchase Interest Rate Annual Fee Min. Credit Score Description
    OFFER
    Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
    10% cash back
    Up to 2% cash back
    19.95%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 600
    Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until October 31, 2023. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
    BMO CashBack Mastercard
    5% cash back
    Up to 3% cash back
    20.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Get 5% cash back on all eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership (up to max. spend of $2,500). Plus, get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances.
    OFFER
    Tangerine World Mastercard
    10% cash back
    Up to 2% cash back
    19.95%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 600
    Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until October 31, 2023. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
    RBC Avion Visa Infinite
    55,000 points
    Up to 1 point per $1 spent
    20.99%
    $120
    Min. recommended credit score: 650
    Get up to 55,000 Welcome Points (value of up to $1,100). Apply by November 27, 2023.
    American Express Cobalt Card
    30,000 points
    Up to 5x points per $1 spent
    20.99%
    $155.88
    Min. recommended credit score: 700
    Earn up to 30,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. Earn 2,500 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $500 in net purchases on your card (up to 30,000 points). That’s up to $300 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets.
    RBC ION+ Visa
    12,000 points
    3 points per $1 spent
    20.99%
    $48
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Get 12,000 Avion points when you get approved for the card. Apply by October 31, 2023.
    BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard
    0.99% rate on balance transfers for 9 months
    N/A
    13.99%
    $0 annual fee for the first year ($29 thereafter)
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee. Plus, get the $29 annual fee waived in the first year.
    RBC ION Visa
    6,000 points
    1.5 points per $1 spent
    20.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Get 6,000 Avion points when you get approved for the card. Apply by October 31, 2023.
    American Express Green Card
    10,000 points
    1 point per $1 spent
    20.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 700
    Earn a Welcome Bonus of 10,000 Membership Rewards points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your card in the first 3 months as a new Cardmember. That’s $100 towards groceries or concert tickets.
    BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
    60,000 points
    Up to 5x points per $1 spent
    20.99%
    $0 annual fee for the first year ($150 thereafter)
    Min. recommended credit score: 760
    Get up to 60,000 points and get the $150 annual fee waived in the first year.
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    Name Product Balance Transfer Rate Balance Transfer Fee Purchase Interest Rate Annual Fee call to action Min. Credit Score Description
    Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
    1.95% for the first 6 months (then 19.95%)
    3%
    19.95%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 600
    Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until October 31, 2023. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
    BMO CashBack Mastercard
    0.99% for the first 9 months (then 22.99%)
    2%
    20.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Get 5% cash back on all eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership (up to max. spend of $2,500). Plus, get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances.
    Tangerine World Mastercard
    1.95% for the first 6 months (then 19.95%)
    3%
    19.95%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 600
    Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until October 31, 2023. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
    BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard
    0.99% for the first 9 months (then 15.99%)
    2%
    13.99%
    $0 annual fee for the first year ($29 thereafter)
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee. Plus, get the $29 annual fee waived in the first year.
    BMO Rewards Mastercard
    0.99% for the first 9 months (then 22.99%)
    2%
    20.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 725
    Get a bonus of 10,000 BMO Rewards points when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances.
    Scotiabank Value Visa Card
    0% for the first 6 months (then 12.99%)
    N/A
    12.99%
    $0 annual fee for the first year ($29 thereafter)
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months. Plus, pay no annual fee in the first year. Apply by October 31, 2023.
    BMO Cashback Business Mastercard
    0% for the first 9 months (then 22.99%)
    3%
    19.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 650
    Get 10% cash back on gas, office supplies, cell phone bills and internet bills for 3 months. Plus, get a 0.00% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 3% transfer fee. Valid until November 30, 2023.
    BMO AIR MILES Mastercard
    0.99% for the first 9 months (then 22.99%)
    2%
    20.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Get 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles (enough for $80 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash). Get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances.
    Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card
    0.99% for the first 6 months (then 22.99%)
    N/A
    19.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Earn 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 spend). Plus, get a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months with no balance transfer fee (22.99% after that). Apply by October 31, 2023.
    Scotia Momentum Visa Card
    0% for the first 6 months (then 22.99%)
    N/A
    19.99%
    $39
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months. (22.99% after that; annual fee $39). Offer ends October 31, 2023.
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    Name Product Welcome Offer Rewards Purchase Interest Rate Annual Fee Min. Credit Score Description
    American Express Cobalt Card
    30,000 points
    Up to 5x points per $1 spent
    20.99%
    $155.88
    Min. recommended credit score: 700
    Earn up to 30,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. Earn 2,500 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $500 in net purchases on your card (up to 30,000 points). That’s up to $300 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets.
    RBC ION+ Visa
    12,000 points
    3 points per $1 spent
    20.99%
    $48
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Get 12,000 Avion points when you get approved for the card. Apply by October 31, 2023.
    RBC ION Visa
    6,000 points
    1.5 points per $1 spent
    20.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Get 6,000 Avion points when you get approved for the card. Apply by October 31, 2023.
    BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
    60,000 points
    Up to 5x points per $1 spent
    20.99%
    $0 annual fee for the first year ($150 thereafter)
    Min. recommended credit score: 760
    Get up to 60,000 points and get the $150 annual fee waived in the first year.
    BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege
    90,000 points
    5 points per $1 spent
    20.99%
    $499
    Min. recommended credit score: 760
    Get up to 90,000 welcome points in your first year.
    Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
    35,000 points
    Up to 3 points per $1 spent
    20.99%
    $0 annual fee for the first year ($150 thereafter)
    Min. recommended credit score: 750
    Earn up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points and get the first year annual fee waived (that’s up to $1,100 in value in the first 12 months). Apply by October 31, 2023.
    Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
    40,000 points
    Up to 6 points per $1 spent
    20.99%
    $120
    Min. recommended credit score: 700
    Earn up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points in your first year (that's up to $650 towards travel). Apply by October 31, 2023.
    American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
    90,000 points
    Up to 3x points
    20.99%
    $599
    Min. recommended credit score: 700
    Earn up to 90,000 welcome bonus Aeroplan points. That's a first year value of up to $2,700.
    American Express Aeroplan Card
    40,000 points
    Up to 2x points
    N/A
    $120
    Min. recommended credit score: 700
    Earn up to 40,000 welcome bonus Aeroplan points. That's a value of up to $900 in your first year.
    BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard
    Up to 10% cash back
    1% cash back
    20.99%
    $0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)
    Min. recommended credit score: 760
    Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year.
    loading
    Name Product Welcome Offer Cash Back Rate Purchase Interest Rate Annual Fee call to action Min. Credit Score Reward Description
    Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
    10% cash back
    Up to 2% cash back
    19.95%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 600
    Earn 2% cash back in two categories of your choice (or three categories if you open a Tangerine Savings Account and directly deposit your cash back into the account), and 0.5% cash back on everything else.
    BMO CashBack Mastercard
    5% cash back
    Up to 3% cash back
    20.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Earn 3% cash back on groceries, 1% on recurring bill payments and 0.5% on all other eligible purchases.
    Tangerine World Mastercard
    10% cash back
    Up to 2% cash back
    19.95%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 600
    Earn 2% cash back in two categories of your choice (or three categories if you open a Tangerine Savings Account and directly deposit your cash back into the account), and 0.5% cash back on everything else.
    Neo Secured Mastercard
    15% cash back
    5% cash back
    19.99% - 29.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 600
    SimplyCash Card from American Express
    $100 in statement credits
    Up to 2% cash back
    20.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 700
    Earn 2% cash back on eligible gas purchases in Canada, 2% cash back on eligible grocery purchases in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually), and earn 1.25% cash back elsewhere.
    Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card
    10% cash back
    Up to 4% cash back
    20.99%
    $0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)
    Min. recommended credit score: 750
    Earn 4% cash back for every $1 spent on eligible grocery purchases & recurring bill payments, 2% per $1 spent on eligible gas purchases & public transit, and 1% per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
    SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express
    $400 in statement credits
    Up to 4% cash back
    20.99%
    $119.88
    Min. recommended credit score: 700
    Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada, 4% cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually), and 2% cash back on all other purchases.
    BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard
    Up to 10% cash back
    1% cash back
    20.99%
    $0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)
    Min. recommended credit score: 760
    Earn 5% cash back on groceries, 4% on transit including ride sharing, taxis and public transportation, 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging, 2% on recurring bill payments and 1% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases.
    BMO Cashback Business Mastercard
    10% cash back
    Up to 1.75% cash back
    19.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 650
    Earn 1.5% cash back on eligible gas purchases, office supplies and on cell phone and internet recurring payments, earn 1.75% cash back at participating Shell stations, and earn 0.75% on all other eligible card purchases.
    BMO CashBack Mastercard For Students
    5% cash back
    Up to 3% cash back
    20.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Earn 3% cash back on groceries, 1% on recurring bill payments and 0.5% on all other eligible purchases.
    loading
    Name Product Welcome Offer Rewards Purchase Interest Rate Annual Fee Min. Credit Score Description
    OFFER
    Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
    10% cash back
    Up to 2% cash back
    19.95%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 600
    Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until October 31, 2023. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
    BMO CashBack Mastercard
    5% cash back
    Up to 3% cash back
    20.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Get 5% cash back on all eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership (up to max. spend of $2,500). Plus, get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances.
    OFFER
    Tangerine World Mastercard
    10% cash back
    Up to 2% cash back
    19.95%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 600
    Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until October 31, 2023. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
    Neo Secured Mastercard
    15% cash back
    5% cash back
    19.99% - 29.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 600
    Earn bonuses like 15% cashback on your first purchase at most partners, and earn an average of 5% cashback at thousands of partners and at least 0.5% cashback guaranteed.
    American Express Green Card
    10,000 points
    1 point per $1 spent
    20.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 700
    Earn a Welcome Bonus of 10,000 Membership Rewards points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your card in the first 3 months as a new Cardmember. That’s $100 towards groceries or concert tickets.
    BMO Rewards Mastercard
    10,000 points
    Up to 1 points per $1 spent
    20.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 725
    Get a bonus of 10,000 BMO Rewards points when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances.
    SimplyCash Card from American Express
    $100 in statement credits
    Up to 2% cash back
    20.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 700
    In your first 10 months, earn a $10 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $300 in purchases. This could add up to $100 in statement credits in the first 10 months.
    Scotiabank SCENE Visa Card
    5,000 points
    Up to 2 points per $1 spent
    19.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Earn 5,000 Scene+ points when you spend $750 in the first 3 months. Apply by October 31, 2023.
    BMO Cashback Business Mastercard
    10% cash back
    Up to 1.75% cash back
    19.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 650
    Get 10% cash back on gas, office supplies, cell phone bills and internet bills for 3 months. Plus, get a 0.00% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 3% transfer fee. Valid until November 30, 2023.
    BMO AIR MILES Mastercard
    800 Miles
    Up to 3x Air Miles for every $25 spent
    20.99%
    $0
    Min. recommended credit score: 660
    Get 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles (enough for $80 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash). Get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances.
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    1 - 1 of 1
    Name Product Min. Required Deposit Purchase Interest Rate Cash Advance Rate Annual Fee
    Neo Secured Mastercard
    $50
    19.99% - 29.99%
    N/A
    $0
    Earn bonuses like 15% cashback on your first purchase at most partners, and earn an average of 5% cashback at thousands of partners and at least 0.5% cashback guaranteed.
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    How to dispute a fraudulent credit card transaction

    Whether the fraudulent charge was made by a billing error because you received damaged goods or poor quality service, contact the merchant to try to resolve the issue. If they don’t want to cooperate, you can request a chargeback from your card issuer.

    To get a chargeback, the following requirements must be met:

    • The cost of disputed goods or services must be $50 or higher.
    • You have disputed the transaction within any time limit set by your provider (often 30-60 days)
    • You tried to resolve the dispute with the merchant first.

    Bottom line

    Even though consumer protection laws strongly insure you against unfortunate events like card loss, theft and fraud, you’re better off avoiding these issues when you can.

    To learn more, check out our guide on how to avoid credit card fraud, traps and scams.

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