Credit
Card & Debit Card Fraud Prevention Tips
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Keep an eye on your
credit or debit card every time you use it, and make sure you get it back as
quickly as possible. Try not to let your card out of your sight whenever
possible.
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Be very careful to
whom you give your 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 or debit card information out to anyone that calls you. (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 or debit card numbers over the phone.
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Never respond to
emails that request you provide your credit or debit card info via email -- and
don't ever respond to emails that ask you to go to a website to verify personal
(and credit or debit card) information. These are called 'phishing'
scams.
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Never provide your
credit or debit card information on a website that is not a secure site. A
website is secure if it has “https:” in the URL and the lock in the bottom right
corner of the browser window.
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Sign your credit
cards as soon as you receive them.
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Shred all credit
card applications you receive.
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Don't write your
PIN number on your credit or debit card -- or have it anywhere near your card
(in the event that your wallet is stolen).
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Never leave your
cards or receipts lying around.
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Shield your card
number so that others around you can't copy it or capture it on a cell phone or
other camera.
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Only carry cards
that you absolutely need. Don't carry extra cards that you rarely use.
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Open credit card
bills promptly and make sure there are no unusual 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. You can also log into your
account online for real time transactions.
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If you find any
charges that you don't recognize -- report these charges promptly (and in
writing) to the credit card issuer.
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Always void and
destroy incorrect receipts.
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Shred anything that
contains your credit or debit card number on it.
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Never sign a blank
credit card receipt. Carefully draw a line through blank portions of the receipt
where additional charges could be fraudulently added.
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Carbon paper is
rarely used these days, but if there is a carbon that is used in a credit card
transaction, destroy it immediately.
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Never write your
credit or debit card account number on anything that may be visible to the
public in a public place (such as on a payment slip that may shows through the
envelope payment window).
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Ideally, it's a
good idea to carry your credit or debit cards separately from your wallet --
perhaps in a zippered compartment or a small pouch.
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Never lend a
credit or debit card to anyone.
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If you move, notify
your credit card issuers in advance of your change of address.
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If you
believe you have been a victim of Credit or Debit Card fraud, contact the
telephone number listed on your credit card immediately. |
