One of the most frustrating things that can happen to you is when your credit card is stolen during a trip. When you leave the comfort and safety of your home, especially if you travel outside the country, the last thing you want is to have to deal with inconveniences that are difficult to cope with.
Whether you get robbed in the traditional way or are the victim of a cybercrime, there is no worse feeling than having your credit card lost, or used by someone other than you. Things get even more complicated if you discover fraud while on the road, especially if you don’t have a backup method of making payments. If you are planning to go abroad, this is what you should know when your credit card is stolen during a trip and you are a victim of fraud.
Follow these tips if your credit card is stolen during a trip
Never limit yourself to one form of payment
Although it is safer to use a credit card to pay for purchases while traveling, it is always better to prepare for the worst case scenario. Having more than one payment card is a good option (keep in mind that you want to make sure to keep them in separate places), but it is best if you always have some cash.
If you do not go with a companion who can help you financially, you run the risk of running out of money in a foreign country. To prevent this from happening, it is not a bad idea to have an additional card that you can leave in the accommodation and another, the one you are going to use, take it with you. This way you will have an alternative plan to help you if your credit card is stolen during a trip.
Make sure to call and report the fraud right away
Whether your credit card has been stolen directly, tried to use an ATM to withdraw money or pay for any product or service and you have received an error message, it is important that you contact the bank that manages your card immediately . Most credit card issuing banks have specific numbers to call if you are abroad , so be sure to contact the correct number. It is vital that you report that your credit card has been stolen as soon as possible, since if the waiting time increases, it may be possible that they make illegal use of your card. Also, once you report the fraud, you can talk to the bank to have them send you a replacement card.
Monitor your credit card statements
Even after reporting the theft, check the summary of the movements that have occurred in your credit card balance. Make sure all fraudulent charges have been identified to fix them and that no new charges have appeared since then. In the future, get into the habit of watching your movements carefully so that you can act quickly the second you notice any unusual charges.
You can also set up alerts with your electronic banking to send you a text message or email in case a charge is made for more than a certain amount. This system is not infallible, however, it can help you in case someone uses your card to make purchases of large amounts.
Withdraw money without a card
Other options you have when your credit card is stolen during a trip is to withdraw money without a card , a service offered by offices such as Western Union and MoneyGram so that they can send you some cash from Spain until you return.
You also have the option of using Hal-Cash, a service that allows you to withdraw money from ATMs anywhere in the world without using the card, you just have to type a code that will reach you on the phone. One of the advantages of this service is that you can send the money to yourself from your online banking without having to ask a family member or friend.
