How to Report Phishing Information About Credit Cards

Credit card phishing scams can damage your credit and cost you a lot of money.

Scam artists who phish for your credit card information can cost you thousands of dollars. Phishers often send out fake emails that appear to be trusted sources, asking for password and credit card information, or they may attempt to gather the information by phone. You can end up financially responsible for the debt a phisher incurs with your credit cards. Reporting credit card phishing scams can prevent the criminals responsible from scamming others.

Instructions

1. Scan through the list of reported phishing scams on the Consumer Fraud Reporting website (see Resources). You may see the scam has been reported by others, but you should still report it.

2. Fill out a feedback form on the Consumer Fraud Reporting site. Include your name and email address, and select the type of phishing scam you are reporting.

3. Describe the phishing scam in detail in the comments section. You may also copy and paste a received email into the comment section. Click the "Send Feedback" button.

4. Report the phishing directly to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (see Resources) using its online form. Include your name, address, telephone number and as much detail as you can about the online company that defrauded you. Submit the form.

5. Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission via email at [e-mail]. Forward a copy of the email and explain the situation.

6. Forward phishing scam emails to the U.S. Secret Service at [e-mail], along with all the information you can provide about the scam.

7. Report the spam email to your email service provider. It will record the information, such as where the email came from, and report it for suspension to prevent phishing of other email accounts.

Tips & Warnings

• Never give out your credit card information over the Internet or telephone unless you are absolutely certain the business is legitimate and trustworthy.

References

• Consumer Fraud Reporting: Feedback Form
• Internet Crime Complaint Center: FAQs

Resources

• Consumer Fraud Reporting: Feedback Form
• Internet Crime Complaint Center: File a Complaint