| Credit card fraud is an increasing crime, growing at the | | | | Make sure you buy a shredder that is a cross-cut or |
| speed of the Internet. Consumers need to take | | | | confetti-cut model (strips can be pasted back together |
| measures to protect themselves and their families | | | | by patient crooks) and if you have pets and children, |
| from becoming victims. Fortunately, there are easy | | | | pay close attention to safety features. Some |
| ways to do it. Unfortunately, not enough of us take | | | | shredders are better than others at protecting toddler |
| advantage of them. Don't be one of the unlucky ones. | | | | fingers and doggie tongues. |
| Make sure you implement all three of the following | | | | 3. A Locking Mailbox |
| products and services in your line of credit card | | | | If you have a street-side mailbox, you need one that |
| defense. | | | | locks. You can't watch your mailbox 24 hours a day. |
| 1. Credit Monitoring Services | | | | Thieves know this. If your mailbox doesn't lock, the |
| Credit monitoring services are critical to protecting | | | | contents inside it become fair game and are |
| yourself from credit card fraud. They will send you | | | | considered easy pickings. |
| regular alerts via email, text message and phone. | | | | Any credit card statements or applications that are left |
| These services let you know if changes have been | | | | in an unlocked mailbox can put you at risk of credit |
| made to your credit report and whether or not new | | | | card fraud. A locking mailbox may be a bit of a pain if |
| credit accounts have been created. | | | | you receive packages that won't fit through the slot, |
| While not free of charge, the protection offered | | | | but the hassle of falling victim to credit card fraud is |
| significantly outweighs the fee. Not all credit monitoring | | | | worse. |
| services are created equal, so you'll want to do your | | | | Keeping yourself safe from credit-related crimes isn't |
| homework before signing up. Just remember, they are | | | | hard. It's just a matter of some small investments and |
| well worth the investment. | | | | a few of very minor lifestyle changes. Remember, no |
| 2. A Shredder | | | | one is protecting your identity or your credit card |
| Even if you don't have a single square foot of your | | | | information for you. If you want to stay safe from |
| home dedicated as home office space, you are still | | | | credit card fraud, you have to take these measures |
| need of a shredder. Never, ever throw away personal | | | | yourself. |
| documents and receipts without shredding them first. | | | | |