ScamBusters' 21 Credit Card Fraud Prevention Tips

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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.

 

~scambusters.org