What actions should you take if you become a victim of credit card fraud?

When you become a victim of credit card fraud, contacting your bank and the police is crucial. Informing your bank is essential because they can quickly take measures to protect your account, such as freezing your card, disputing unauthorized charges, and providing resources for further assistance. Additionally, reporting the fraud to the police helps create an official record, which is important for both potential investigations and documenting the incident for your bank and credit reporting agencies.

The other options may seem appealing but do not address the seriousness of the situation effectively. Simply changing your PIN and continuing to use the card does not resolve the fraud issue; it merely alters access without addressing the underlying problem. Ignoring the situation, especially if no charges are made, can lead to complications later on, as fraudsters may continue to make unauthorized transactions if they still have access to your information. Finally, only contacting the store where the fraud happened is insufficient since the broader implications of fraud involve multiple parties, including your bank, and ignoring other necessary steps leaves your financial security vulnerable.