If your credit card is stolen or the number has been compromised:
- Notify your credit card company immediately.
- Report the theft of the credit card to the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the theft occurred.
- Report the use of the credit card number to the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the transaction occurred.
Keep in mind that the credit card companies own credit cards. They will be considered victims if your account is reimbursed for fraudulent charges, at which time they will assume the monetary loss. You (the credit card holder) will be a witness who testifies that you did not give the suspect permission to use your credit card or its number. Credit card companies may or may not pursue the fraudulent use of the account. Your immediate priority is to prevent and minimize further harm to your credit.