What is a possible action a cardholder should take regarding unauthorized purchases?

Notifying the issuing bank and freezing the card is essential when a cardholder detects unauthorized purchases. This immediate action protects the cardholder from further financial loss by preventing any additional fraudulent transactions on the compromised account. It is critical to act quickly to mitigate risk, as unauthorized use can lead to significant financial implications for both the individual and the organization. Additionally, freezing the card allows for a proper investigation into the unauthorized transactions without exposing the cardholder to further issues.

While other options may seem appealing, they do not provide the proactive measures required to address unauthorized purchases adequately. For instance, making a new purchase to compensate does not tackle the underlying problem of the unauthorized charges and could complicate the issue further. Reporting to the purchasing department without taking further action after discovering unauthorized purchases leaves the cardholder vulnerable to additional fraud. Finally, contacting a supervisor only after 30 days delays important actions that should be taken immediately to protect both the cardholder and the organization. Therefore, notifying the issuing bank and freezing the card is the most responsible course of action.