A compromised card refers to a credit or debit card whose information has been stolen, exposed, or accessed by unauthorized individuals, potentially allowing them to make fraudulent transactions.
Common ways a card can be compromised
Data breaches – Hackers gain access to card information from retailers, banks, or payment processors.
Skimming – Devices placed on ATMs or gas pumps capture card data when you swipe.
Phishing scams – Fraudsters trick you into giving your card details through fake emails, texts, or websites.
Lost or stolen cards – If someone physically steals your card, they may use it fraudulently.
Online theft – Malware or insecure websites can capture your card details during online shopping.
Signs your card may be compromised
Any of the following signs can indicate that your Payhawk card has been compromised:
Unauthorized or unfamiliar charges on your account.
Alerts from Payhawk about suspicious activity.
Your card is suddenly declined.
You receive a notice from Payhawk or a merchant about a data breach.
What to do if your card is compromised
If your Payhawk card has been compromised, it is essential to act quickly to secure your account and ensure that unauthorized transactions are prevented.
Immediately freeze the compromised card to prevent further unauthorized transactions. The card can remain frozen while investigations are underway.
Notify a Payhawk administrator at your company about the case. Payhawk administrators are authorized to close compromised cards permanently and issue secure replacement cards in your name.
For security reasons, Payhawk will not automatically issue a new card to replace the compromised one.
Request a new card as a replacement for the compromised one from the Cards app in the Payhawk mobile app or web portal.
A Payhawk administrator at your company can issue a replacement virtual or physical card on your behalf, too, from the Payhawk web portal.
Close the compromised card permanently after the replacement card has been issued and any disputes resolved to prevent further use under any circumstances.
Best practices for handling compromised cards
During investigations, always freeze the card to allow any fraudulent transactions to be contested while preserving evidence of misuse.
Promptly report the case to your Payhawk administrator as soon as possible to initiate the replacement and secure your account.
Only authorized Payhawk account administrators can manage card replacements and closures to maintain Payhawk's secure procedures.