| Like anything else involving money, credit cards are | | | | artists may also pose as reputable business people or |
| subject to fraud and theft. In most cases, in fact, fraud | | | | even credit card company representatives, and you |
| protection is even more important with credit cards, | | | | should never give your information, particularly critical |
| where big balances can be run up without the real | | | | information like your Personal Identification Number or |
| cardholder ever knowing. Protecting your credit cards | | | | PIN, out to anyone. |
| from fraud is a two-stop process that begins with | | | | Not only is it not a good idea to let other people such |
| preventing fraud from taking place and continues with | | | | as friends and family use your credit card, it is also |
| taking action when you detect or suspect that fraud | | | | illegal. While those people may have your best |
| has been committed. | | | | interests at heart, they may still not take the same |
| Precautions are simple. One of the best ways to | | | | precautions you would. Instead, make the purchases |
| prevent fraud is to sign your card. A signature on the | | | | for them with your card and allow them to pay you |
| back of the card helps verify that the person using the | | | | back. |
| card is the same person to whom the card actually | | | | Keeping your personal information up to date is |
| belongs. If you can get a card with your picture on it, | | | | important as well as a reminder of protection from |
| do so. Many companies are now offering picture | | | | identity thieves. Let your supplier know if you move or |
| cards, which, along with a signature on the back, will | | | | change your name. Doing this will keep your valuable |
| help merchants determine whether the person | | | | information out of the wrong hands. |
| attempting to use the card is the actual cardholder. | | | | It goes without saying that a lost or stolen credit card |
| Another precaution is to never turn loose of your card | | | | should be reported immediately to limit the damage |
| or at least never let it out of your sight. This is | | | | that can be done to your charge account and, |
| particularly good advice in tourist areas, where typical | | | | consequently, your credit score. Also, any transactions |
| fraud involves swiping cards more than once or | | | | that show up on your bill that you don't remember or |
| making sophisticated copies of your credit card. | | | | that you know are incorrect should be reported |
| It's also a good idea never to divulge the details of | | | | immediately as they may not be mistake but signs of |
| your credit card with anyone, particularly over the | | | | fraud. |
| internet. Always destroy any documents, electronic or | | | | Protecting yourself from credit card fraud isn't difficult, |
| otherwise, that may contain your credit card | | | | but it does require some diligence. Simply paying |
| information. Fraudsters often sift through trash, and | | | | attention to what you are doing with the card and |
| that can include trash on your computer, to get your | | | | what is showing up on your bill may not always be |
| credit card information. It's worth remember that con | | | | enough, but they're a good place to start. |