Be careful online & offline!
Internet ScamBusters' 21 Credit Card Fraud Prevention Tips:
1. Keep an eye on your credit card every time you use it, and
make sure you get it back as quickly as possible. Try not to
let your credit card out of your sight whenever possible.
2. Be very careful to whom you give your credit card. Don't
give out your account number over the phone unless you initiate
the call and you know the company is reputable. Never give your
credit card info out when you receive a phone call. (For
example, if you're told there has been a 'computer problem' and
the caller needs you to verify information.) Legitimate
companies don't call you to ask for a credit card number over
the phone.
3. Never respond to emails that request you provide your credit
card info via email -- and don't ever respond to emails that
ask you to go to a website to verify personal (and credit card)
information. These are called 'phishing' scams.
4. Never provide your credit card information on a website that
is not a secure site.
5. Sign your credit cards as soon as you receive them.
6. Shred all credit card applications you receive.
7. Don't write your PIN number on your credit card -- or have
it anywhere near your credit card (in the event that your
wallet gets stolen).
8. Never leave your credit cards or receipts lying around.
9. Shield your credit card number so that others around you
can't copy it or capture it on a cell phone or other camera.
10. Keep a list in a secure place with all of your account
numbers and expiration dates, as well as the phone number and
address of each bank that has issued you a credit card. Keep
this list updated each time you get a new credit card.
11. Only carry around credit cards that you absolutely need.
Don't carry around extra credit cards that you rarely use.
12. Open credit card bills promptly and make sure there are no
bogus charges. Treat your credit card bill like your checking
account -- reconcile it monthly. Save your receipts so you can
compare them with your monthly bills.
13. If you find any charges that you don't have a receipt for
-- or that you don't recognize -- report these charges promptly
(and in writing) to the credit card issuer.
14. Always void and destroy incorrect receipts.
15. Shred anything with your credit card number written on it.
16. Never sign a blank credit card receipt. Carefully draw a
line through blank portions of the receipt where additional
charges could be fraudulently added.
17. Carbon paper is rarely used these days, but if there is a
carbon that is used in a credit card transaction, destroy it
immediately.
18. Never write your credit card account number in a public
place (such as on a postcard or so that it shows through the
envelope payment window).
19. Ideally, it's a good idea to carry your credit cards
separately from your wallet -- perhaps in a zippered
compartment or a small pouch.
20. Never lend a credit card to anyone else.
21. If you move, notify your credit card issuers in advance of
your change of address.
If you suspect credit card fraud:
If your credit cards are lost or stolen, contact the issuer(s)
immediately.
Most credit card companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour
service to deal with these emergencies -- they are eager to
avoid credit card fraud.
According to US law, once you have reported the loss or theft
of your credit card, you have no more responsibility for
unauthorized charges. Further, your maximum liability under
federal US law is $50 per credit card -- and many credit card
issuers will even waive that fee for good customers.
If you follow all these tips, it will go a long way in
protecting you from credit card fraud.
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