You get a text message saying your card was used overseas.
The amount looks real.
The merchant name looks unfamiliar.
But you did not buy anything.
You did not travel.
You did not enter your card details anywhere.
First: do not assume it is a confirmed charge.
Some alerts are only “authorization attempts,” and some messages are fake.
Step 1: Verify if the Transaction Is Real
- Open your bank/card app and check the latest transactions
- Look for “pending / authorization” vs “posted / completed”
- Check the exact amount, time, and merchant details
If you cannot find the transaction in your official card history, treat the text as suspicious.
Why You Can Get an Overseas Approval Text Without Paying
- A temporary authorization attempt that failed later
- A merchant verification (small test charge / zero-amount check)
- A delayed or duplicated notification from the card network
- A fake message (number spoofing) trying to make you click a link
What to Do Immediately (Safe Actions)
- Do not click links in the text message
- Do not call phone numbers written in the message
- Contact your card company using the number on the back of your card
- Ask them to confirm the transaction status and block overseas use if needed
If the Charge Is Real
- Request an immediate card freeze or replacement
- Report it as an unauthorized transaction
- Ask for dispute steps and required documents
- Change passwords on accounts where the card may be stored
How to Prevent This Next Time
- Enable real-time alerts in your official card app
- Turn on overseas transaction blocking when not traveling
- Remove saved cards from apps you no longer use
- Use virtual cards or one-time payment methods when possible
The key is simple: verify in the official transaction history first, then take action through the card issuer.