The question is, if someone used my credit card online, can I track them? Thanks to technological advancements, tracking unauthorized credit card transactions is now possible.
To some extent, you can track someone that used your credit card online. There are different ways to track them. Once is to trace them via your bank. Most banks have anti-fraud departments that have sophisticated tools. They can use these tools to track an unauthorized credit card transaction. You can also use cellphone tracking through your credit card provider or bank.
Implementing chip-and-pin technology made it almost impossible for someone to use your credit card online. However, hackers have found a workaround. The reality is that there are numerous ways for someone to use your credit card online. And should they obtain your credit card or online banking details, they could make online purchases, among other things.
Tracking an unauthorized credit card transaction usually involves employing advanced tactics. Let’s look at some tactics used to track the activity of someone who has utilized your credit card online.
If Someone Used My Credit Card Online, Can I Track Them?
First, there are several ways someone can use your credit card online. They can either use your credit card number to make online transactions or other fraudulent activities.
Most banks and credit card providers have several advanced systems to track when someone uses your credit card online. So how can you track unauthorized credit card transactions?
1. Using IP Geolocation
One of the fastest-growing ways to track someone who used your credit card is IP Geolocation. IP Geolocation works by cross-checking the IP address used to make several transactions from the one commonly used by the owner of a credit card.
Your credit card provider or bank will do most of the work. Banks use IP Geolocation to track an unauthorized credit card transaction. While law enforcement can get more information about the fraudster from the IP address.
IP Geolocation provides details about someone who used your credit card, such as their time zone and geographic location. It will also reveal information such as the internet service provider.
These details help them get better insight into who used your credit card online. Apart from being able to track the person who utilized your credit card online, it can also give evidence of potentially malicious transactions.
2. Track the Delivery Address
Law enforcement will usually do the heavy lifting when you go with this method. Law enforcement will assist you in tracking the individual who used your credit card online. They often check the delivery address provided by the person who used your credit card.
They’ll go to the entered address and try to deliver the package. This way, they can track and catch them attempting to get the items they purchased using your credit card. When the items are digital, the IP address will determine the exact location of the fraudster.
3. Cellphone Tracking
Some banks have been able to pinpoint cellphone locations to combat credit card fraud. The process is simple. Cardholders link their cell phones to their credit card.
This allows banks to see if the card is being used in the exact location of the cardholder. If someone is using your credit card, banks can figure out where a transaction occurs.
As a Visa cardholder, you can simply download the Visa app and turn on your mobile location. Visa will match any transactions you make to your current location. You can visit Visa US to learn more about their analytics and tracking procedure. MasterCard is also one of the few credit card companies partnering with Syniverse to track down credit card frauds.
Cellphone tracking can help banks save a lot of money and time. It is a transparent process and doesn’t require roaming agreements. The cardholder simply needs to have their mobile device turned on and on them at all times.
While the tactics we mentioned above help track down person who made a transaction with your credit card online, this solution works worldwide. Plus, the process does not require extensive infrastructure.
The Bottom Line
Credit cards are always going to be susceptible to fraud. However, there are numerous methods you can employ to track someone that used your credit card online.
It is important to note, if you suspect that someone is using your credit card, contact your bank immediately. Tell your credit card provider or bank that you found a suspicious charge on your credit card. The bank may be able to cancel transactions carried out with your credit card. They can also deactivate your credit card the moment you report the issue.
If your bank detects any fraudulent or suspicious transactions, it will generally send you an email or SMS alert. On the bright side, your credit card provider or bank will likely be able to refund you.
In any case, ensure sure you keep your credit card information in a secure place. There are various ways to protect your credit card from being used by someone. You can also check your monthly credit card report for any suspicious transactions.
Even though you might have fraud liability coverage, you’ll still have to deal with the inconvenience of locating the person responsible.