
Keep an eye on your accounts: Check your credit card statement for suspicious activity and check your credit report as needed.Make sure that when you're contacted, it's from an official email address or phone number. Only share this information with trusted banks or retailers. Don't click links in potential spam emails: Look out for emails that seem legitimate but prompt you to enter your credit card information after clicking on a link.Be sure to only shop on secure websites: Check that the website you're shopping on has an “s" following the http ( The “s" stands for secure and means your data will be encrypted.
The best way to protect your information is to take out your card each time you make an online purchase.
Don't save personal information on retailer websites: This is certainly a convenient option but can be costly if your information is stolen.
Use a password manager: There are several free password managers that allow you to create and store strong and unique passwords for each individual website. While Chase makes every effort to protect your information, there are several ways you can help protect yourself. Keeping your credit card number and CVV secure is of the utmost importance. How to protect your CVV and credit card number There's a possibility that a thief could make a purchase with only your credit card number. Businesses aren't required to ask for the CVV code. If an identity thief manages to hack their system and get your credit card number, they likely won't be able to make purchases online or over the phone without your CVV. Your credit card number may be stored by certain retailers, but storing the CVV is against credit card compliance standards. What is the purpose of a CVV number?ĬVV codes can help prevent unauthorized transactions on your credit card. On Visa ® and Mastercard ® credit cards the CVV is located on the back of your card, next to the signature box. Where is the CVV or security code on a card? The "2" represents that the CVV number was created using a second-generation process designed to make the number more difficult to guess. There are also CVV2 numbers, which are the same as CVVs.
Be mindful not to use your PIN when a retailer is asking for your CVV.ĬVV numbers can also be known as CSC - or Card Security Code -numbers. They're also used when making an in-person transaction with your debit card or cash advance with your credit card.
PINs allow you to use your credit or debit card at an ATM. PINĬVVs aren't the same as PINs or Personal Identification Numbers. Because you're not physically presenting the card, this proves that you have a physical card and can help protect against identity theft. The CVV, or Card Verification Value, is a three or four-digit number on your credit card designed to add an extra layer of security to purchases made online or over the phone.