| Credit card fraud is becoming more and more | | | | |
| of a problem, and if you are not careful then | | | | Whenever you get a receipt or a credit card |
| you could lose money to fraudsters. If you | | | | bill, check that all the items and amounts |
| are worried about fraud but are unsure how | | | | are correct. If there are any amounts that |
| you can protect yourself and your credit | | | | you are unsure about, contact your card |
| cards, then this article could help you. Here | | | | issuer immediately. Any paperwork that you |
| are some useful tips and advice about how to | | | | throw away should be disposed of properly. |
| protect yourself from credit card fraud: | | | | Shred documents so that people cannot go |
| | | | through your rubbish and discover your card |
| Methods of fraud | | | | details. |
| | | | |
| The methods and types of fraud are increasing | | | | Look behind you |
| as criminals learn new techniques and get | | | | |
| improved technology. The most common methods | | | | When withdrawing money from a cash machine, |
| of fraud today include: | | | | make sure no one is looking over your |
| | | | shoulder to read your PIN. The easiest way |
| ·Copying and 'cloning' of cards | | | | for someone to use your card illegally is to |
| | | | see your PIN and then steal the card. Also, |
| ·ATM fraud | | | | make sure you never keep a written record of |
| | | | your PIN, especially near your cards. |
| ·Internet card fraud | | | | |
| | | | Use reputable firms |
| ·PIN number stealing | | | | |
| | | | When buying on the Internet, make sure that |
| All of these methods are used more commonly | | | | you only purchase items from large and |
| than ever before to effectively steal your | | | | well-established providers. Small or unknown |
| money. Obviously, it is impossible to totally | | | | providers should be avoided as even if they |
| eliminate the problem of credit card fraud, | | | | are genuine, their security and encryption |
| but there are things you can do to greatly | | | | may be poor and allow fraudsters to access |
| reduce the risks. | | | | your details. |
| | | | |
| Keep cards close | | | | Keep contact numbers |
| | | | |
| Make sure that you never let your cards out | | | | If you have your card stolen or you think you |
| of your sight. Never leave cards unattended, | | | | have been the victim of credit card fraud, |
| and certainly don't lend your card to anyone. | | | | then you need to sort the problem out as |
| If you are paying in a restaurant or shop, | | | | quickly as possible. Keep all the contact |
| make sure you pay attention as to where your | | | | numbers for your card issuer in a safe place |
| card is. A common method used to copy your | | | | so that you can call them up and sort out |
| card is to get the details whilst you pay, so | | | | problems immediately. If you are careful and |
| keep an eye on your card at all times. | | | | act quickly, you can limit the damage of |
| | | | fraud or prevent it occurring at all. |
| Check receipts | | | | |