Fraud alerts and credit report flags are the very first two steps you should take if your data has been compromised. It may stop the fraudster from using your info elsewhere. 

You get home from a long day at work and take a seat, intending to make an order for carry-out. While scrolling through your options, you decide to check your account to make sure the funds you need are available.

As a cardholder, you’ve probably heard horror stories about people being crippled by financial crime.

If you find out that your bank account is under investigation, it’s normal to wonder if the worst has happened. In most cases, though, the investigation is likely fueled by debt or suspected illicit activity.

The Truth in Lending Act of 1974 is a federal law in the US. It gives consumers the legal right to dispute credit card charges in the case of a billing error. This is referred to as a chargeback, which essentially means that the bank disputes a charge on your behalf. The credit card company will investigate to determine who is in the right, and the result of this investigation will be presented to you within 90 days.

If you find yourself the victim of identity theft, you have options available to help prevent fraudsters from doing further damage. One of these options is called a fraud alert.