| Once you learn about what the different types of | | | | trash. |
| identity theft are and what a criminal does with your | | | | You should also take advantage of the fact that you |
| information, it is easier to protect yourself from | | | | can access your credit history twice a year for free |
| becoming an identity theft victim. Because credit card | | | | to check for any fraudulent activity. For any accounts |
| theft is the number one identity theft crime in America, | | | | that have been fraudulently accessed or opened, |
| this article will discuss what it is and talk about some | | | | contact the security departments of the appropriate |
| ways to reduce the probability of becoming a victim. | | | | financial institution immediately. Finally, if you are making |
| Credit card fraud is the number one fraud committed | | | | purchases online you should use a credit card instead |
| by identity theft criminals and possibly one of the | | | | of a debit card. Let me explain. |
| easiest crimes to commit. Credit card fraud is split into | | | | Debit cards are legally riskier than traditional ATM |
| two categories with the first method being a thief who | | | | cards or credit cards. While you are only liable for $50 |
| actually steals an existing credit card. This is by far the | | | | if your credit card is used fraudulently, you may be |
| easier crime to commit and luckily is easier to catch. | | | | liable for $500 or more if your debit card is misused |
| The other option the thief may use is to gain access | | | | plus the fact that the thief can drain your account dry |
| to your personal information and open a new credit | | | | and leave you broke until you get things worked out |
| card account that the victim will know nothing about. | | | | with your bank. In addition to this fact, debit cards offer |
| Many times the thief will use an alternate address and | | | | much less protection then a credit card because with |
| phone number so the victim never sees a bill and will | | | | a credit card, you have certain legal rights to dispute |
| not be aware of a problem until it is too late. There are | | | | fraudulent charges. If you suspect that your credit card |
| steps you can take to prevent this type of fraud. | | | | or debit card has been compromised then you should |
| To prevent a thief from stealing your existing credit | | | | contact your financial institution and cancel the card |
| card you should cancel any credit cards you don't | | | | and put a hold on your funds. |
| need or use, pay close attention to your monthly bills, | | | | You should now be aware that identity theft in general |
| and above all else contact your financial institution | | | | and credit card fraud in particular can happen to |
| immediately if you fail to receive your monthly billing | | | | anybody. While there is no 100% guarantee that you |
| statement. If a thief opens a new credit card account | | | | wont become a victim of credit card fraud, taking the |
| with your social security number it is harder to catch | | | | above steps can dramatically reduce the possibility. |
| but there are steps you can take to prevent this from | | | | The important thing is that you take action to protect |
| happening as well. Number one is the contact the | | | | yourself now before it is too late. If you feel that you |
| Credit Reporting Agencies and request that no new | | | | are not up to handling all the details then there are |
| lines of credit be approved without first seeking your | | | | identity theft programs available such as the one |
| approval. You should also request to be removed | | | | offered by LifeLock which can take care of |
| from any pre-screened credit offer mailing lists as | | | | everything for a monthly fee. |
| thieves can steal such offers out of your mailbox or | | | | |