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Protect Credit Card Info

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In addition to protecting your credit rating, it is also important to protect the physical credit card itself. Having the card in your possession is not enough, as people can write down the number on the card and use it to make fraudulent purchases. Identity theft has become a problem that costs consumers and companies billions of dollars each year.

Even if fraud, banks and credit card company have never directly affected you will pass down the costs of fraud to consumers. An example of this is the foreign currency transaction fees that you will have to pay when you use your credit card in foreign countries. When you look at it like this, credit card fraud has an effect on virtually everyone. There are a number of things you can do to make sure your card and the numbers on it are protected at all times.

Never provide your credit card number over the phone to someone you didn't initiate the call with. You should make sure you know whom you are talking to before you give them your credit card number. Even if the person says they are affiliated with a well known company, if you didn't call them, don't give them your credit card number until you're sure. If you mistakenly give them your information, immediately call your credit card company and cancel the card.

You also want to avoid using websites that you're not familiar with. Since the rise of the internet, fraud has become rampant, and many people have become the victims of identity theft. When you make a purchase at a website, make sure they have security statements. In addition to this, look for a small yellow lock that is closed. It will be located on the bottom right side of the screen. If possible, only carry one credit card at a time. People who carry around multiple cards are likely to lose them. Once you lose your card, the chances of you becoming a victim of fraud dramatically increase.

Always look at your monthly credit card statement to make sure there are no unauthorized charges. If you see something suspicious, immediately call the credit card company. Whenever you close an account, immediately cut up the cards before discarding them. When you get a charge receipt from the store, make sure you shred it prior to throwing it away. Doing these things will help you avoid becoming the victim of fraud.

Protect Credit Card Info

The best protections against card credit card and debit card fraud are to know where your cards are at all times and to keep them secure. For protection of ATM and debit cards that involve a Personal Identification Number (PIN), keep your PIN a secret. Don't use your address, birthdate, phone or Social Security number as the PIN and do memorize the number.

The following suggestions may help you protect your credit card and your ATM or debit card accounts.

For Credit and ATM or Debit Cards:

Be cautious about disclosing your account number over the phone unless you know you're dealing with a reputable company.

Never put your account number on the outside of an envelope or on a postcard.

Draw a line through blank spaces on charge or debit slips above the total so the amount cannot be changed.

Don't sign a blank charge or debit slip.

Tear up carbons and save your receipts to check against your monthly statements.

Cut up old cards - cutting through the account number - before disposing of them.

Open monthly statements promptly and compare them with your receipts. Report mistakes or discrepancies as soon as possible to the special address listed on your statement for inquiries. Under the FCBA (credit cards) and the EFTA (ATM or debit cards), the card issuer must investigate errors reported to them within 60 days of the date your statement was mailed to you.

Keep a record - in a safe place separate from your cards - of your account numbers, expiration dates, and the telephone numbers of each card issuer so you can report a loss quickly.

Carry only those cards that you anticipate you'll need.

For ATM or debit cards:

Don't carry your PIN in your wallet or purse or write it on your ATM or debit card.

Never write your PIN on the outside of a deposit slip, an envelope, or other papers that could be easily lost or seen.

Carefully check ATM or debit card transactions before you enter the PIN or before you sign the receipt; the funds for this item will be fairly quickly transferred out of your checking or other deposit account.

Periodically check your account activity. This is particularly important if you bank online.

Compare the current balance and recent withdrawals or transfers to those you've recorded, including your current ATM and debit card withdrawals and purchases and your recent checks. If you notice transactions you didn't make, or if your balance has dropped suddenly without activity by you, immediately report the problem to your card issuer.

Someone may have co-opted your account information to commit fraud.

Buying a Registration Service

For an annual fee, companies will notify the issuers of your credit card and your ATM or debit card accounts if your card is lost or stolen. This service allows you to make only one phone call to report all card losses rather than calling individual issuers. Most services also will request replacement cards on your behalf.

Purchasing a card registration service may be convenient, but it's not required. The FCBA and the EFTA give you the right to contact your card issuers directly in the event of a loss or suspected unauthorized use.

If you decide to buy a registration service, compare offers. Carefully read the contract to determine the company's obligations and your liability. For example, will the company reimburse you if it fails to notify card issuers promptly once you've called in the loss to the service? If not, you could be liable for unauthorized charges or transfers.

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About Author

Both Joseph Kenny & Lar 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.

Joseph Kenny has sinced written about articles on various topics from Credit Cards, Debt Consolidation and Credit Cards. Joe Kenny writes for CardGuide.co.uk, offering the latest information on , visit them today for more. Joseph Kenny's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.

Lar has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Credit Cards and Hotels and Hostels. Has someone stolen your identity. How do you know. Get a and check all of your transactions. Submitted by:. Lar's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.

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