Treat your credit card number like the confidential information that it is and only provide it on a need-to-know basis. Are you making an appointment at your local salon or doctor's office and they want your credit card information to hold the appointment? Even though you plan on paying cash? Flat out refuse to provide it.
Nowadays too many people have access to the average person's credit card number. If you want to protect yourself from credit card fraud, reduce the number of people who ever know what your credit card number is. Sometimes that will mean putting your foot down and maybe even being stubborn. As they say -- it's better to be safe than sorry.
2. Watch For The "S"
For most people, online transactions are inevitable. Fortunately, credit card fraud doesn't have to be.
Sooner or later, you're going to make a purchase online (if you haven't already). Before you enter your credit card number into any online payment form, make sure the form is hosted on a secure site.
The best way to prevent credit card fraud online is with secured web pages. You can tell a secured web page from an unsecured web page by the little telltale "s" locate at the end of the "http" letters. If a web page is secured, it will say "https" in your browser bar. If it's not, it will just say "http" and you'd better not put your credit card number in.
3. Use Virtual Numbers Whenever Possible
Because online transactions are becoming more and more popular, credit card companies are now offering "virtual" numbers to help reduce credit card fraud.
If your credit card company offers "virtual" or "one-time-use" credit card numbers, you will be able to access the feature by logging in to your online account. Simply sign in using your personal information and then prompt the website to generate your temporary credit card number.
Once you have been given the temporary credit card number, you can use it for your online transaction. This way, you are able to pay for your purchase with a credit card, but no one really has your actual account number which greatly reduces your chance of credit card fraud.
4. Don't Use Public Computers for Financial Transactions
If you use public computers that other people have access to, don't ever enter your credit card number into them. If you do, you may signficantly increase your chances of credit card fraud.
There are programs that people can use to track everything typed into a computer. If someone has installed one of these applications into the computer you are using and you enter your credit card number into it, they'll gain access to the information.
5. Shred Those Statements
Perhaps one of the most important ways you can reduce the risk of credit card fraud is to properly dispose of your monthly credit card statements. File your statements for as long as you want to, but once you decide to dispose of them, put them through a cross-cut or diamond-cut shredder.
While it's true that credit card fraud is a growing concern, these five steps are a great way to protect yourself from the possibility of becoming the next victim.
Credit card fraud is an increasing crime, growing at the speed of the Internet. Consumers need to take measures to protect themselves and their families from becoming victims. Fortunately, there are easy ways to do it. Unfortunately, not enough of us take advantage of them. Don't be one of the unlucky ones. Make sure you implement all three of the following products and services in your line of credit card defense.
1. Credit Monitoring Services
Credit monitoring services are critical to protecting yourself from credit card fraud. They will send you regular alerts via email, text message and phone. These services let you know if changes have been made to your credit report and whether or not new credit accounts have been created.
While not free of charge, the protection offered significantly outweighs the fee. Not all credit monitoring services are created equal, so you'll want to do your homework before signing up. Just remember, they are well worth the investment.
2. A Shredder
Even if you don't have a single square foot of your home dedicated as home office space, you are still need of a shredder. Never, ever throw away personal documents and receipts without shredding them first.
Make sure you buy a shredder that is a cross-cut or confetti-cut model (strips can be pasted back together by patient crooks) and if you have pets and children, pay close attention to safety features. Some shredders are better than others at protecting toddler fingers and doggie tongues.
3. A Locking Mailbox
If you have a street-side mailbox, you need one that locks. You can't watch your mailbox 24 hours a day. Thieves know this. If your mailbox doesn't lock, the contents inside it become fair game and are considered easy pickings.
Any credit card statements or applications that are left in an unlocked mailbox can put you at risk of credit card fraud. A locking mailbox may be a bit of a pain if you receive packages that won't fit through the slot, but the hassle of falling victim to credit card fraud is worse.
Keeping yourself safe from credit-related crimes isn't hard. It's just a matter of some small investments and a few of very minor lifestyle changes. Remember, no one is protecting your identity or your credit card information for you. If you want to stay safe from credit card fraud, you have to take these measures yourself.
Both Max Anderson & Sean Masterson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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