How to Protect Against Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud is more common as credit card use increases along with online shopping. Credit card users must be vigilant in protecting themselves from credit card fraud. Keep your cards in a safe place and follow these steps to protect against credit card fraud.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Memorize any pin numbers you obtain with your credit cards and destroy letters containing pin numbers. Choose pin numbers you can remember, but don't choose numbers related to your birthdate, social security number or family names.

2. Throw away any credit cards you don't use. They could be stolen and you wouldn't notice until you received the bill.

3. Sign your credit cards immediately after you receive them. Know when your new credit cards or credit card bills should arrive in the mail. If they don't arrive when expected, contact your credit card company.

4. Shield your hand and card when entering credit card pin numbers into an ATM machine. Enter the numbers quickly with multiple fingers.

5. Check the security of online websites before purchasing from them. Don't give any personal information until you know it is secure.

6. Immediately report any lost or stolen credit cards to your credit card company. Keep credit card numbers and credit card company telephone numbers in a secure place.

Tips & Warnings

• Never share your credit card number to an unsolicited caller. Fraudsters may call on the phone and say you have received fraudulent charges on your credit card. They may ask for a credit card number or other personal information from you. If this should happen, report it immediately to your credit card company.

[JRIngrisano]

on 12/12/2007 Excellent points. And, yes, it is important to shield your numbers when keying in access codes. I once had my telephone long distance access code stolen in an airport. Within days, more than $2,000 in calls had been charged to my account. Fortunately, the phone company recognized that the calls were fraudulent and I was not charged.