Identity Theft and Credit Card Theft

Credit card fraud vs identity theft-are they different? Yes! Identity theft typically does not include credit card fraud. Though often used interchangeably, there are distinct issues requiring nuanced understanding. Consumer protection attorneys, also referred to as “identity theft and credit card fraud attorneys,” address these criminal activities that impact consumer credit and financial health. Let's look at the differences between credit card fraud and identity theft.

Again, credit card fraud and identity theft are separate crimes. Knowing the difference between the two crimes is important because their consequences and scope usually differ.

You do not need to know precisely which crime you're facing before contacting a lawyer. An identity theft lawyer and a credit card fraud attorney are called consumer protection lawyers, and Consumer Attorneys focus our practice in this area of the law. Our consumer law firm broadly includes all types of criminal activity and other issues impacting credit profiles and financial stability.

So, what exactly do they mean, and how do they differ? Keep reading for information about the distinctions between credit card fraud and identity theft.

What Is Credit Card Fraud?

Credit card fraud involves obtaining credit card details through any of the following:

1. Stealing the physical credit card
2. Using a skimming device at any point of sale transactions where you swipe, tap, or insert your credit card
3. Hacking into your online accounts that contain your credit details

Emotional, psychological, and physical effects result from credit card fraud. Usually, the outcomes are destructive financially, but they are recoverable. In other words, credit card fraud can be taxing but you can recover over time. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), your liability for unauthorized credit card use could be as low as $50. It is important for you to keep in mind that when reporting these crimes, there should be a sense of urgency for you to act in accordance with all requirements of the law. In order for you to be shielded from any liability you must act according to whatever timelines the law has in place. Additionally, various credit card companies provide zero-liability fraud that can protect you if there is timely notification of fraudulent activities. If you are uncertain about these requirements, consult with an attorney who can answer your questions.

How Credit Card Fraud Happens

Identity theft comes in many forms, some of which include credit card fraud. Credit card fraud is when someone accesses the credit card details of a victim for unauthorized purchases and new credit card accounts using someone else’s name.

What Is Identity Theft?

Identity theft refers to a wide range of criminal activities in which offenders acquire and use personal information and data illegally for improper benefits. This information involves name, date of birth, social security number, and bank data. The gain may be financial, health-related, or count as a crime that is intended to circumvent the law.

How Identity Theft Happens

Identity theft is an act that involves accessing personal information without authority. This may involve any of the following:

1. Looking through trash for information, such as “dumpster diving” in a commercial dumpster or going through residential trash cans.
2. Breaching a company’s online security to access customer data.
3. Stealing personal information that is posted online
4. Phishing emails, messages, or calls
5. Use of skimming devices at point-of-sale transactions
6. Theft of data electromagnetically by being in close proximity to someone’s unprotected credit cards. (RFID-blocking purses and wallets protect against this.)

How Identity Theft is Exploited in Credit Card Fraud

While credit card fraud is a form of identity theft, it focuses on credit card details. The perpetrator may steal the physical card, use skimming devices, gain access online by exploiting unprotected internet connections, or use any of the methods identified above. Criminals may initially steal your credit card information but then use those details to take their crime further by stealing your identity after gaining access to your sensitive information.

Securing Yourself Against Credit Card Fraud and Identity Theft

Understanding the distinctions is crucial, but knowing how to protect yourself is paramount. Credit card fraud often has limited financial effects due to liability limitations and zero-liability fraud protection. However, other forms of identity theft can have devastating, long-lasting consequences, demanding extensive efforts for recovery.

Spotting the Crime: Credit card fraud is quickly detected, thanks to measures implemented by credit card issuers. In contrast, some forms of identity theft may go unnoticed for extended periods, surfacing only when victims face legal consequences or credit denials.

Bouncing Back: Recovering from credit card fraud is very inconvenient. It usually involves some back and forth with your bank and credit card issuer. The compromised credit card is generally blocked, and you are sent a new one. The matter can be resolved quickly, but depending on the extent of the credit card usage, the amount of money involved, and the speed at which it is detected, it may still require you to navigate the legal landscape.

However, some of the other forms of identity theft may take years to recover. You must notify several government institutions and work with creditors and credit reporting bureaus. If your Social Security number was used fraudulently, you must also make the Social Security Administration (SSA) aware of the situation. The SSA should be able to provide you with a new one. The old card will likely still be used by many of your professional contacts. You will have to make them aware of the change so they’ll begin using your new number.

Now that we've established a clear difference between identity theft and credit card fraud, you might wonder if the term "account takeover, identity theft" is a concept. Like credit card fraud, "account takeover fraud" is a form of identity theft, but there are some distinct differences. Here's a look at both concepts:

Account takeover fraud or (ATO) is when someone unauthorized gains access to your accounts (typically online) such as bank accounts, email accounts, and social media accounts without your consent.

Identity theft is the circumstance when a third party is not authorized to use your information. Identity theft occurs when that third party usually illegally obtains your personal details and chooses to benefit from these details. More often than not, identity theft occurs by gaining access to your personal and sensitive information in various ways like trash diving, stealing your tangible documents, or due to data breaches.

Both account takeover and identity theft are serious and should not be taken lightly. If you believe you are a victim of either crime, you should contact your banking institutions right away and also contact lawyers who deal with credit issues!

Call Us Today! We're Here for You

Credit card fraud and identity theft have distinctions, but both must be avoided at all costs. Our consumer protection attorneys are ready to assist if you deal with either issue. Contact us promptly to navigate the complexities, safeguard your rights, and embark on the path to recovery and security. Our legal experience ensures you have a dedicated ally in the fight against these crimes!

We help you to regain control of your financial well-being. You can fill out the online intake form, email us at info@consumerattorneys.com, call us at 1-877-615-1725, or chat with us via our LIVE chat feature on our website!