| As more and more people have come to rely on their | | | | - ATMs or websites that look insecure or modified. If |
| debit and credit cards for a greater portion of their | | | | an ATM looks like it has been tampered with, don't use |
| spending, the risk of credit card fraud has increased. | | | | it. If you pay bills or access your bank account |
| There are a seemingly infinite number of scams just | | | | information online, be sure that the website is secure. |
| waiting to take hold of an unsuspecting card user. | | | | Websites that begin with "https" are http secure |
| Whether it be through internet ads, email, post mail, or | | | | websites, meaning that they contain encryption to |
| telemarketing, would-be frauds are hoping to steal your | | | | protect users. Any website that accepts payments or |
| money. Knowing the risks that you face and the ways | | | | financial information should have a http secure website. |
| that you can protect yourself can help to keep you | | | | Otherwise, don't use it. These are just some of the |
| safe from credit card fraud. | | | | many scams that you may come across as a credit |
| Signs of Fraudulent Scams | | | | card user. If you notice something out of the ordinary |
| There are certain clues that you can pick up on to | | | | or feel that something is "just not right", ignore the |
| determine if an offer over the phone, through mail, or | | | | communication and do not provide any information. |
| on the internet is a fraud. Keep an eye out for these | | | | Report the potential scam immediately so that it can |
| common tactics used to hoodwink credit card holders | | | | be investigated. It is better to be safe than sorry. |
| into giving away their money: | | | | Prevention Tips |
| - You won a contest or lottery. If it sounds too good to | | | | In addition to detecting the above potential scams, |
| be true, it probably is. If you didn't sign up for a drawing, | | | | there are other preventative steps that you can take |
| contest, or lottery, this is a sure fire sign that someone | | | | to avoid credit card fraud. These include: |
| is trying to scam you. | | | | - Shred receipts and bill statements. When you throw |
| - Unsolicited phone calls. You may get a phone call | | | | out any receipts, bills, or other financial materials with |
| from someone claiming to know you through your | | | | personal information, be sure to shred them so that |
| business or your bank. If they ask for information, tell | | | | you sensitive information can't later be picked up by |
| them you will call them back. If it is a scam they will | | | | someone else. |
| likely not give you a phone number to return their call. | | | | - If you lose your card, cancel it immediately. As soon |
| - Asking for personal information. If someone claims to | | | | as you notice that your credit or debit card is missing, |
| be an employee from your bank or work and asks for | | | | call your bank and have your card canceled. Your |
| your personal information, remember that they should | | | | creditor will happily cancel your card to avoid identity |
| already have it. Don't give your social security number | | | | theft or credit card fraud and will send you a new |
| out over the phone, and don't reveal sensitive | | | | card. Taking preventative action to protect yourself is |
| information such as your bank account number or | | | | the best way to minimize your risk of becoming a |
| mother's maiden name. | | | | victim of credit card fraud. |