Credit Card Fraud Protection

Credit card fraud protection is a goal of every thinking person in this modern age. With the number of charge cards in circulation, card fraud is a crime that is on the rise.

Being a victim of credit fraud can be devastating with repercussions that last a lifetime, if not detected early enough. People have had their good credit permanently ruined by some unscrupulous thief.

The most common way to become a victim is to have your purse or wallet containing your cards stolen. And, of course, the thief proceeds to use your cards for all kinds of purchases. However, with the growth of online buying, a new avenue for credit card fraud has come into pay. With just your credit card account number (not the card itself) a thief can destroy your good credit.

Steps and Tips to Avoid Credit Card Fraud 

• Never give your credit card number (nor your social security number) to Anyone who telephones you and asks for it  -- no matter what they are selling and how fabulous the deal sounds. Only give your credit card number over the phone to someone from a reputable company whom you have called to place an order.
• To further protect your credit, always tear up credit card receipts, bills, statements or any other piece of mail that has any personal or credit information on it before placing it in the trash. It is astounding, but there are people who sort through garbage seeking information they can use to make unauthorized charges on your account.
• There have been instances where waiters in restaurants have made extra imprints of your card when you paid your bill, and have subsequently used your card numbers to have a shopping spree. How can this be avoided? Many restaurants have placed their card processing centers in full view of their customers. In this way, anyone who might have surreptitious intentions will know they can be seen.

Other Tips For Your Protection

• If at all possible, don't carry your credit cards or bank information in your purse or wallet. If a thief robs you, you will lose only cash, but not your credit cards.
• If would be wise to take only the one credit card you intend to us with you when you shop. Leave the others at home.
• Keep a list of all your credit cards, their numbers and card company's contact information. Put this info in a safe place. In this way, if the information is ever lost or stolen, you will know who to contact, and you will also have the pertinent data readily at hand.
• Be sure that you don't ever sign blank receipts. Cross out any blank lines on any forms that you sign (example: tip line at restaurants) so that no one can fill it in later.
• When buying online, always make certain that the purchase page where you give your personal information is on a secure site.
• Report a new address to your credit card issuer right away.

By following these tips and suggestions, you will definitely be well on your way to protecting yourself against credit card fraud.

For more information about credit cards and credit card fraud protection, see:

Identity Theft Protection - Prevent Identity Being Stolen
Preventing Credit Card Fraud - Can Be Devastating
Identity Theft Shield - Take Proper Precautions
Victim of Identity Theft - Don't Let It Happen To You

For more credit card fraud protection info, see: