| Have you ever been a victim of credit card fraud? If | | | | of your card when he rung up your bill, and then used |
| so, you know just how traumatic it can be. What's | | | | the number to go shopping. The solution? Many |
| more, if you don't detected it early enough, it could | | | | restaurants have placed their credit card processing |
| leave bad marks on your credit report that could haunt | | | | centers in plain view of the customer's sight to combat |
| you for many years. The most commonly thought of | | | | this problem. If not, you could follow the waiter to the |
| credit card fraud is when your wallet or purse is stolen, | | | | charge station, and watch him throughout the process. |
| and the thief uses your credit cards to make | | | | It's also important to make sure that they know that |
| unauthorized purchases. | | | | they are being watched. |
| But, with the increasing rate of online buying, another | | | | You may be wondering if there are other measures |
| form of credit card fraud--known as | | | | that you can take to make sure you aren't a victim of |
| misappropriation--is spreading like wildfire. These days | | | | credit card fraud? Yes there is and here are a few |
| the only thing a thief needs to create havoc on your | | | | suggestions. |
| credit life is your credit card number--not your actual | | | | * If possible, carry your credit cards and other bank |
| card. | | | | information somewhere other than your wallet or |
| Here are just a few ways that this type of fraud can | | | | purse. This way, if a thief nabs it, you will be out only |
| happen to you: | | | | your cash--not your credit cards. |
| * One day your telephone rings, you answer and the | | | | * Another way is to only take the credit card that you |
| person on the other end of the line tells you that they | | | | intend to use that day--leave the others at home. |
| have a one time special offer, good for today | | | | * Make a list of all your credit cards and keep it in a |
| only--and that you simply need to provide them with | | | | safe place, make sure to list the numbers and contact |
| your credit card number to make a purchase. STOP! | | | | information of the issuing company. That way, if you |
| Don't ever give out your credit card number to anyone | | | | do lose them, you'll have the information necessary to |
| who calls you. Only provide this kind of information if | | | | contact the credit card company as soon as you |
| you have called the company to place an order, and | | | | notice the theft. |
| you are positive that it is a well-established reputable | | | | * Never sign a blank receipt, and always be sure to |
| business. | | | | cross out blank lines. For example, if you bought |
| * You find that someone has gone through your trash. | | | | something that didn't require a tip, cross out the tip line |
| Then when you receive your credit card statement, | | | | so nobody can add to it later. |
| you find that there are dozens of unauthorized | | | | * If you're making a purchase online, be sure that you |
| charges. STOP! Always tear up your credit card | | | | do so via a secure site. |
| receipts and bank statements before putting them in | | | | * If you move, report your new address to your credit |
| the trash. Better yet, buy a paper shredder from a | | | | card issuer immediately. Also fill out a change of |
| local office supply. Many thieves go through unguarded | | | | address form at the post office. Sneaky thieves are |
| trash bags specifically looking for your credit card | | | | on the look out for people moving, and then watch the |
| staments. | | | | mailbox of the old house, hoping that they can |
| * You go out to eat in a restaurant and pay the bill | | | | intercept a credit card statement. |
| with your credit card. On your next credit card | | | | Following the above suggestions doesn't guarantee |
| statement, you notice that there are unauthorized | | | | you'll never be a victim of credit card fraud, but it will |
| charges that started the same day as your restaurant | | | | greatly reduce your chances. |
| meal. It turns out that the waiter made an extra imprint | | | | |