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Unauthorized Purchases

As a MasterCard cardholder, you are not responsible for unauthorized purchases charged to your account. MasterCard's Zero Liability coverage extends to purchases made in a store, over the telephone, or on the Web. If you suspect unauthorized activity on your account, stop using your card and contact the issuing as soon as possible.

The following guidelines can help to reduce the risk of unauthorized purchases appearing on your bill:

What You Should Do

  • Work with companies that you know and trust. If you have any questions, check out unfamiliar companies by calling your state or local consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau before you disclose your credit card number or other personal information.
  • Memorize your PIN number (Personal Identification Number) and keep printed copies of the numbers in a confidential place.
  • Sign all your payment cards as soon as you get them. This way when salespeople check the signature on the back of your card against the signature on the sales receipt, you will be protecting yourself if your card is lost or stolen.
  • Check your cards periodically to make sure none are missing.
  • Destroy and dispose of copies of receipts, airline tickets, travel itineraries and anything else that displays your card numbers.
  • Learn more about fraud. Check out the following publications: Fraud - Spot it. Stop it. Keep Your Finances Safe and Dot Cons: FTC's Top 10 Dot Cons. They provide important tips on what to watch out for.

What You Should NOT Do

  • Give your payment card or bank account number to any unknown caller or Internet site.
  • Make a purchase from someone who calls you without a reference or won't put the offer in writing. A legitimate operator will not pressure you to make a decision on the spot.
  • Let a merchant record your card number on a check, receipt or other document.
  • Put your address, phone number or other personally identifiable information on a card receipt.
  • Use your Social Security Number or Personal Identification Number (PIN) as a password.
  • Let anyone see or hear your card number or PIN.
  • Write your PIN on your payment card.