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