How to Prevent Credit Card Theft

With credit cards becoming the new currency in our global culture, the fear of identity theft among consumers increases. Fradulent use of someone's identity or credit card can cause the loss of money, time, and credibility. Fortunately, you can take steps to decrease the likelihood of credit card theft.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Shred or tear into bits credit reports and credit card statements before throwing them in the trash.
2. Call your credit card company immediately if your credit card statement is delayed.
3. Place an order for credit card and bank account statements at least once a year. Make sure that you read through each detail about the transactions conducted and charges made and double check anything that seems strange or inexplicable.
4. Request that the three credit reporting bureaus delete your name, so that the offers for pre-approved credit cards will be discouraged.
5. Get rid of unnecessary mail from banks and other marketing institutions to limit the scope of Identity theft.
6. Keep your Social Security card and your Social Security number safe and inaccessible to anybody. It is the fundamental link to your credit card reports and bank accounts. Thieves are always on the look-out for Social Secuity numbers.
7. Avoid printing your SSN number on checks.
8. Photocopy your driver's license, ATM cards and credit cards to ensure you have the account numbers, expiration dates and important telephone numbers handy should these be stolen.
9. Verify any fraudulent entries made in your Social Security earnings or benefits statement by requesting a report at least once in a year.
10. Mail your bills by taking them to the post office. Home mailbox thefts are on the rise. Also, make safe arrangements for incoming mail when you are out of town.
11. Cancel and close credit cards accounts that are seldom used.
12. Use your credit card wisely, especially when online or via telephone to pay for a product or service. When making online payments using credit cards, ensure that the Web site is secure and authentic. Do not give out credit card information on unsecured Web sites or on any Web site posing as an authentic Web site of the credit card company that contacts you first.

Tips & Warnings

• Use credit report screening services to get timely information of your credit transactions. These services will also immediately warn you when credit has been taken in your name or a false entry is made.
• File a complaint about any theft in writing to the police and to major credit bureaus. Block all accounts and furnish all information that may be required to track down the thief.
• Avoid giving any personal detail such as your SSN, present and prior employers, a listing of all account numbers, including those that have been closed, and your overall credit score to anyone unless you are very sure that they can be trusted.
• Do not carry with you extra credit cards or other important documents, such as your Social Security card and bank statements, to eliminate the chances of theft.