| More and more people are using credit and debit | | | | Check your monthly statements thoroughly for any |
| cards when they go shopping. It is convenient to just | | | | purchases that you did not make. Never throw away |
| swipe your card at the checkout. Most of the stores | | | | monthly statements without shredding them first. |
| are encouraging the use of debit and credit cards by | | | | Always cut up old credit cards by cutting through the |
| using electronic payment systems. This means that if | | | | account numbers before throwing them away. Shred |
| you write a check at the checkout, the store will scan | | | | charge sheets or receipts that you get from the store. |
| your check and give it back to you just like you were | | | | Be aware of your surrounding when using your credit |
| using a debit card. Most people will rather use their | | | | card or getting money from the ATM. Thieves are |
| card than waste a check. This practice is becoming | | | | very sneaky and can use tiny cameras to take |
| very profitable for credit card thieves. This article will | | | | pictures of your credit card when you are swiping it. |
| give you information on how to protect yourself from | | | | They can also be very crafty at getting your PIN |
| credit card theft. | | | | number when you use the ATM. Use your body to |
| The first and most important thing is, if your cards | | | | shield any clear view of the keypad. Keep the account |
| have been lost or stolen, report it immediately. Call the | | | | numbers covered with your hand as much as possible |
| card companies and have your accounts canceled | | | | when removing it from your purse or wallet. Always |
| right away. This may limit the damage that the credit | | | | take your receipts with you. If you notice someone |
| card thief can do. Know where your cards are at all | | | | getting to close to you at the ATM, turn around and |
| times. Never carry more cards than what you will use | | | | leave. If you think someone is getting too close in the |
| when you go shopping. | | | | checkout line, alert the store manager. These may |
| Be very wary of giving your account numbers over | | | | seem like drastic measures but you can never be too |
| the phone. It is a good idea to never do it over a cell | | | | careful. |
| phone since the conversation can be easily listened to | | | | Never carry your card and your PIN number together. |
| by using everyday electronic items. Never write your | | | | Memorize your PIN and always keep your purse |
| account numbers on the outside of an envelope or | | | | secure against your body. If you take these steps, you |
| postcard. Never sign a blank credit or debit slip and | | | | can minimize the risks of your credit card being stolen. |
| always draw a line through any blank spaces on the | | | | It is up to you to protect yourself from credit card |
| debit slip so that the total amount cannot be changed. | | | | theft. |