Today most people use credit cards. It is very convenient, because you don’t need a lot of cash, you always have all your money with you and can make significant purchases, credit card is small and doesn’t take a lot of space in your wallet and if you know the rules of preventing credit card fraud, nobody can steal your money.
Recently there are too many cases of credit card frauds. Criminals invent new methods how to get your personal information and use it. It becomes more difficult to protect yourself and your money.
I want to provide you with some basic information that will help customers to feel safe using their credit cards. First of all do you know how credit card fraud happens?
In order to use your credit card, criminal needs to get your credit card number, signature, name, address and other personal information. The most common case of getting this information is lost or stolen credit card. If you can’t find your credit card in the evening, it is better to contact your credit card company, report fraud and block it.
Sometimes criminals may steal your mail. In this case they can get your monthly statement, or even credit card that was sent to you.
Another method of theft is copying of your number. Unfair clerk may print additional receipt, and use your information later. When you buy something over the phone and name your credit card number.
Can you remember what you put in your trash? Exploring your trash can, criminals may get used receipts with your signature, your full name, your address, your social security number, your complete bank account number, your employee and its address, your rate of pay. If thief wants to take a loan using your details, he will need even less information.
In result of raising technological level, thieves may use computer viruses like Trojans to get to your computer and copy all necessary information.
Every year millions people lose billions dollars because of credit card fraud, they often discuss their problems on the Internet and forums. So, let’s summarize what should we do and what shouldn’t do in order to protect our information from thieves.
What you should do:
- It is important to sign credit card as soon as it arrives.
- Never put your card in wallet. It is better to carry it in some small zipped compartment.
- Create a secured place where you can keep a record of your account numbers, dates of expiration, phone numbers and addresses of companies you deal with.
- During the transaction, try to get your card back as soon as possible and keep an eye on it all the time.
- Void incorrect receipts.
- If you save receipts, you will be able to compare them with your monthly statement.
- Destroy carbons.
- If you have any doubts about any charges in your statement, report them promptly.
What you shouldn’t do:
- Lend your card to someone.
- Sign a blank receipt. Also draw a line through any blank space on receipt.
- Send your account number in envelope or postcard.
- Give your credit card number over the phone when you deal with new company.
- Leave copies of your receipts in restaurants and stores.
If you had any credit card issues, it is very important to report fraud to your credit card company and police.
Credit card fraud issues