Never Lend Your Card To Another Person

Category: Finance.

Thieves look through your trash to find receipts containing your credit card account numbers.

Clerks in a store where you make a purchase with your credit card may make a copy of your name and account number for their own use- - or they sell it to others. Today, most receipt will only show the last few digits of your card number, but you must still be careful. Fraudulent phone sales with tempting offers or charitable donation solicitations, asking for your payment by credit card. Here are some simple, common- sense steps you can take to greatly reduce your exposure to criminals trying to use your credit cards fraudulently: Sign your credit or charge cards as soon as you receive them. They get all the information they need to use your card for their own purchases- - and you will never receive the merchandise offered. Keep your credit or charge cards in a separate card holder.

Men should carry the card holder in a pocket that is difficult for pickpockets to reach. Do not keep them in your wallet. Ladies should always zip up their purse and hold on to it while shopping or in any public place. See our article on" Lost or Stolen ATM and Credit Cards" to be informed on the rules for notifying the issuers if your card( s) is stolen or lost. Backpack style purses are an invitation to pickpockets. Advise your credit card companies ahead of time if you will be traveling or changing address. Notify the card issuer immediately to dispute any fraudulent charges and request that a new account be opened.

Keep records or receipts of credit card purchases in a safe place to verify against your statement. Shred any receipts or old credit card statements before throwing in the trash. Credit card companies now send you" checks" to use against your card. It is well worth the low cost of a basic shredder to protect yourself. This is to encourage you to incur more charges on their card and are often subject to finance charges, even if you pay your bill in full and on time. Be careful with clerks at small stores and gas stations.

It is better to shred these immediately since they contain your credit card number. Be aware of your surroundings and, avoid making credit, if in doubt card transactions with the clerk. Any legitimate business will understand if you say, "I have a rule to not give my credit card information over the phone. " Ask them to send you the information by mail. Never give your credit card information for an unsolicited phone sales offer or request for donations. If they get upset, it's probably a scam. Never lend your card to another person.

Never sign a blank credit card receipt for any reason. If you follow these cautionary steps, you will not be a good target for credit card fraud and will greatly reduce the chances of having problems.