Avoiding Credit Card Fraud
Simple and Easy Ways to Avoid Credit Card Fraud
If you’re worried about credit card fraud, you have good reason to be. Each year thousands of people fall victim to credit card fraud schemes. Follow these simple and easy tips to keep yourself protected.
Avoiding Credit Card Fraud Tip #1: Be Careful Online
Hackers prowl the Internet looking for easy prey. When you’re shopping online, be very careful who you provide your credit card information to and if possible, use one-time-use credit card numbers that can be issued by your credit card provider. If you do provide your actual credit card information on a website, make sure the site URL start with https:// and not just http://.
Avoiding Credit Card Fraud Tip #2: Shred Credit Card Statements If You Throw Them Away
If you toss your credit card statements after a few months, make sure you shred them before tossing them in the trash. By shredding your statements, you’ll make it harder for predators to glean your credit card information from your trash.
Avoiding Credit Card Fraud Tip #3: Shred Pre-Approved Credit Card Applications
You might be tempted to just toss the junk mail with the pre-approved credit card applications that you receive. This may be a very big mistake. Just like you should shred your credit card statements, make sure that you shred the credit card applications that you throw away.
Avoiding Credit Card Fraud Tip #4: Don’t Give Your Credit Card Info Over the Phone
Unless you initiate the call, like with a catalog order center or the local pizza place, never give your credit card information over the phone. People may call up pretending to sell magazines or other goods or services when in actuality, they only want your credit card information. They might even tell you that you’ve won a prize and that they need your credit card number to confirm the prize. Don’t fall for it. Tell them no and hang up the phone.
Avoiding Credit Card Fraud Tip #5: Pay Careful Attention to Your Statements
Each month when your credit card statements come in, pay close attention to them and make sure there are no unauthorized charges. If you find an unauthorized charge, contact your credit card company immediately to find out where and when the charge was initiated. If it is indeed a fraudulent charge, you’ll need to have your credit card number changed.