What Government Help Can You Get When Your Identity Is Hacked and Charged Through a Contactless Square App?

The first step in such a scenario, as with any crime, is to report the incident to the local police. However, you can often expect very little, if any, substantial action from them. The police's resources are limited, and they typically prioritize other types of crimes over credit card fraud and identity theft.

Police Response and Limited Assistance

Virtually no action will be taken. Law enforcement agencies may provide a mechanism to file a report as a victim of credit card and/or identity theft fraud, but this is often of little practical use. They are unlikely to devote the thousands of dollars or the necessary resources to track down criminals internationally. Even if the perpetrator is known, law enforcement is typically inactive in pursuing such cases.

What You Can Do

Instead of relying on the government, take immediate steps to address the issue with your credit card issuer. Contrary to the expectations of many, the credit card companies have their own Zero Liability policies, which typically do not require you to lose any money due to fraud. You should notify your credit card issuer as soon as possible to ensure you are protected.

Regarding the use of the contactless Square app, the odds of counterfeit chips triggering such transactions are astronomically low. If the card was physically in your possession, it is extremely unlikely that anyone else could make contactless purchases without your card. Therefore, a thorough inspection of your household and surveillance can help identify any suspicious activity or individuals who might have your card.

Conclusion

In the face of identity theft and contactless fraud, it is crucial to take proactive measures to secure your financial assets. While government assistance may be limited, relying on your credit card issuer and proceeding with due diligence is the best course of action. Protecting your identity and finances through timely reporting and preventive measures is key to mitigating the damage caused by fraudulent activities.

Related Keywords

identity theft contactless fraud government assistance