Credit Card Fraud | Español |
How do credit card frauds happen?
How can I avoid credit card fraud?
How do credit card frauds happen?
The popularity of shopping online has made it easier for thieves to steal and use credit card numbers. Credit card scammers go to extremes to get someone’s numbers, often digging through garbage or voided store receipts. One of the most common ways criminals steal credit card information is by misrepresenting themselves as legitimate businesspeople. Some thieves will use e-mail to solicit donations or sell you bogus goods.
If you suspect credit card fraud, contact your credit company immediately and close your account. You should also check the activity of your other cards, including any business credit cards or gas cards.
How can I avoid credit card fraud?
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- Never give out your credit card number just because someone asks for it. This includes telemarketers, websites and e-mails. Unless you contacted a company yourself to buy something,
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- Don’t leave credit card numbers where others can find them. Keep your card out of sight when you are in a store. Hand it directly to the cashier when paying. As soon as you get the card back, put it in your wallet. Always shred your credit statements before throwing them out.
- Keep code numbers and other security information separate. If you have a hard time remembering your personal identification number, it may be tempting to write it on your debit or credit card. Instead, keep it somewhere else, such as your purse or wallet, and do not identify what the number is. Best of all, try to memorize it or ask your financial institution for an easier number.
- Always sign the back of your credit card. Some people believe that by signing their card they are making it easier for a crook to copy their signature. The real danger is leaving the signature space blank. Someone who steals or finds an unsigned credit card can sign it themselves. When the thief uses the stolen card, the signature on it will match the thief’s signature on the receipt.
A great trick to protect your card is to add a small line above your signature stating, “Please Check Photo I.D.” This will encourage cashiers to ask for the card user’s driver’s license and discourage a thief from pretending to be you!
- Keep only one or two cards with you. Some people have as many as 10 active credit cards. You won’t need that many most times you’re out, so pick just one or two to keep in your wallet and leave the rest in a safe place at home.
- Review bills carefully. As soon as you get your monthly statement, look carefully for any unknown charges. Your bill should have a phone number on it to report suspicious activity. If you see any questionable charge, even for only a few dollars, call the credit company immediately. Thieves at times will make a small charge on an account to see if it is active. If you let the small charge go, you could end up being victimized for much larger amounts.