# How to Protect Yourself From Credit Card Theft
Credit card theft starts with a simple phishing email. The author received a message claiming to be from her web host, requesting updated payment information. This tactic works because scammers impersonate trusted companies to lower your guard.
Protect yourself with these concrete steps. Never click links in unsolicited emails. Instead, visit the company's website directly or call their official phone number. Verify sender email addresses match the legitimate domain. Legitimate companies never ask for sensitive information via email.
Monitor your accounts regularly. Check your credit card statements weekly, not monthly. Set up transaction alerts through your bank's app. These notifications alert you immediately to unusual activity.
Freeze your credit with the three major bureaus. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion all offer free freezes. This prevents criminals from opening new accounts in your name.
Use strong, unique passwords for every account. Enable two-factor authentication wherever available. This adds a second verification step that stops unauthorized access even if your password leaks.
Report fraud immediately. Contact your card issuer and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. Acting fast limits your liability and helps investigators track down criminals.