| As technology has increased, so has credit card fraud. | | | | Identification Number) on the back of the card. |
| There are some simple steps that you can take to | | | | Record: It is a good idea to write down all of your |
| help protect yourself from credit card fraud. Let's look | | | | credit card account numbers and the expirations dates. |
| at these more closely. | | | | You should also include the contact phone numbers |
| Keep It Close: You should never let your credit card | | | | and addresses of the card issuer. Keep this list in a |
| out of sight unless it cannot be helped. | | | | very secure place where no one else can get to it. |
| Tight Lips: Never give your credit card number out | | | | Use it in case of fire or flood damage to your home. |
| over the phone unless you are certain you know who | | | | Be Prompt: One of the best defenses against credit |
| you are talking to or ordering from. The best advice | | | | card fraud is to open your statement as soon as you |
| for phone orders is that you make the call. This | | | | get it. Look for any unauthorized charges. If you find |
| assures you that you are talking to the people who | | | | unauthorized charges report those charges |
| are at the number dialed. If someone calls you, do not | | | | immediately to the credit card issuer. |
| give out your information. There are no legitimate | | | | Be Tidy: Anything with your credit card information on |
| companies who call and ask for credit card numbers. | | | | it should be destroyed as soon as you no longer need |
| The same holds true for emails. Legitimate companies | | | | it. If you cannot destroy it, place it in a secure box. |
| do not email customers requesting credit card | | | | Cut the Carbon: Carbon copy paper is not used much |
| information. This type of credit card fraud has become | | | | anymore but you still see it in some places. Make sure |
| a global problem. This same type of credit card fraud | | | | you get the carbon copy from the vendor and that |
| might ask you to go to a website to verify personal | | | | you either destroy it or secure it. |
| information and card information. Do not go there. This | | | | Notify: If you are planning to move, notify the issuer in |
| is known as phishing (pronounced fishing). | | | | advance and make arrangements for your mail |
| Sign It: Make it a habit to always sign the back of your | | | | delivery during the transition. You do not want your |
| credit card the moment you get it. | | | | statements arriving at the old address. You should also |
| Shred It: If you get credit card applications that you are | | | | contact the Post Office. |
| not planning to apply for shred them immediately. This | | | | If you suspect credit card fraud, contact the issuer |
| can help avoid future credit card fraud should | | | | immediately. Most companies have a toll free phone |
| someone take the application from your trash bin. | | | | number you can use for this. Keep in mind that in |
| Secure Sites: When giving out information on a | | | | cases of credit card fraud much of your liability is |
| website, make sure the site is secure. You should see | | | | determined by how fast you contact the issuer. |
| a small lock icon on secure pages. | | | | According to federal law, once you have reported the |
| Protect the PIN: Keep your PIN in a place that is not | | | | loss or theft of your credit card, you are not |
| near the credit card. Do not write your PIN (Personal | | | | responsibility for unauthorized charges. |