Credit Card Fraud

General Credit Card Fraud Prevention Tips

• Keep an eye on your credit card every time you use it, and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible.
• Try not to let your credit card out of your sight whenever possible.
• Be very careful to whom you give your credit card.
• Don't give out your account number over the phone unless you initiate the call and you know the company is reputable. Legitimate companies don't call you to ask for a credit card number over the phone.
• Never respond to emails that request you provide your credit card information via email - and don't ever respond to emails that ask you to go to a website to verify personal (and credit card) information. These are called "phishing" scams.
• Never provide your credit card information on a website that is not a secure site.
• Sign your credit cards as soon as you receive them.
• Shred all credit card applications you receive.
• Don't write your PIN number on your credit card - or have it anywhere near your credit card (in the event that your wallet gets stolen).
• Never leave your credit cards or receipts lying around.
• Shield your credit card number so that others around you can't copy it or capture it on a cell phone or other camera.
• Keep a list in a secure place with all of your account numbers and expiration dates, as well as the phone number and address of each bank that has issued you a credit card. Keep this list updated each time you get a new credit card.
• Only carry around credit cards that you absolutely need. Don't carry around extra credit cards that you rarely use.
• Open credit card bills promptly and make sure there are no bogus charges. Treat your credit card bill like your checking account - reconcile it monthly. Save your receipts so you can compare them with your monthly bills.
• If you find any charges that you don't have a receipt for - or that you don't recognize - report these charges promptly (and in writing) to the credit card issuer.
• Always void and destroy incorrect receipts.
• Shred anything with your credit card number written on it.
• Never sign a blank credit card receipt. Carefully draw a line through blank portions of the receipt where additional charges could be fraudulently added.
• Carbon paper is rarely used these days, but if there is a carbon that is used in a credit card transaction, destroy it immediately.
• Never write your credit card account number in a public place (such as on a postcard or so that it shows through the envelope payment window).
• Ideally, it's a good idea to carry your credit cards separately from your wallet - perhaps in a zippered compartment or a small pouch.
• Never lend a credit card to anyone else.
• If you move, notify your credit card issuers in advance of your change of address.