Prevent Credit Card Fraud By Using These TEN Tips

Credit Card fraud is on the increase, despite improved technology and data protection laws. There is nothing worse than opening your credit card statement and discovering to your horror that you suddenly owe thousands of dollars - on purchases that you never made!

This nightmare is not impossible.

As mentioned before identity theft and credit card fraud on the rise, thus it is necessary to guard your card and financial statements with extreme care.

Here are TEN tips to help prevent you from becoming the next victim of these callous people:

#1. Destroy the old credit cards by cutting them into pieces and shred all financial information like old receipts and bills.

#2. Sign new and replacement cards as soon as you receive them.

#3. Don't give your card number over the phone unless you have initiated the call.

#4. Destroy any carbon paper if it's used as part of the credit card transaction. Somebody can grab it and forge your signature.

#6. Don't fax your credit-card number, if possible. Faxed document could remain in sight at the other end for long periods of time.

#5. Never click on any links within an email asking you to enter user name or password for any financial website. In fact, it's better not to open such "scam" e-mails at all - whether for paypal or ebay it is best to ignore such emails and report it.

#7. Another way of discouraging theft is to choose a credit card that requires a PIN for transaction or one that includes your photo and signature on the card

#8. Never send your credit card number in an e-mail to anyone

#9. Should there be any fraudulent transactions, phone and alert the credit card company immediately. Remember, you have the right to challenge any unauthorized transactions.

#10. If your card is lost, stolen, or you suspect fraudulent use, again call your credit card company's 24-hour hotline immediately to prevent your card from being used. The card will be blocked for any further use, and you won't be responsible for any unauthorized charges.

It's impossible to prevent fraudsters completely. But you can vigourously protect all your financial information and make it difficult for anyone invade your privacy.

See also:

Debt consolidation – Credit Card Debt Consolidation

Improve Your Credit Score With These 5 Tips