How to Prevent Stolen Credit Card Numbers

Stolen credit card numbers may keep you up at night. Many people have experienced identity theft and now wish they would have gone through preventative measures to keep it from happening. Learn from their mistakes. This article will help you prevent stolen credit card numbers in your life.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper shredder

1. Give your credit card number only out over the phone when you initiate the call. If you get a call from a tele-marketer or anyone else, there are two things you can do. First of all, you can ask them for the name of their company, call information and dial the number yourself. Or, the easier method is to ask for a bill by mail. The company should understand your concern about stolen credit card numbers and cater to your needs. If not, don't give them money.

2. Refrain from sending your credit card number over email. Stolen credit card numbers are many times found in hacked email accounts. Instead, go directly to a secure, encrypted website to purchase goods and services online. You can tell the website is secure by the tiny padlock icon in the bottom right hand corner of your browser.

3. Shred all credit card information or paperwork with your credit card number on them. This includes all credit card offers and checks sent to you from your credit card company for balance transfers. Never throw these papers away without getting rid of your. Many stolen credit card numbers have happened in the trash.

4. Logoff the computer or website account when you are finished. Even if you have your own home computer, you never know who will be in your house. There may be a shady utility worker, or even a robber in your home partial to stolen credit card numbers.

5. Sign up for credit card programs that alert you when transactions go beyond your normal scope of purchasing. Stolen credit card numbers are more common than you think. If you have your credit card company call you when your card is used at strange stores in strange locations for strange amounts, you can be proactive.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check your statements for errors or purchases you have not made.
• Merchants want to prevent stolen credit card numbers as well. Did you know they are liable too. If someone purchases goods with a stolen credit card, merchants may have to pay for that purchase since they allowed the card to pass.
• Don't catch yourself off guard if your wallet is stolen. Make sure you have a cheat sheet at home with all your credit card numbers and phone numbers so you can report they are stolen.

[graceisnuff]

on 3/24/2009 These tips were given to me by an employee at the fraud division of my bank:Be aware that dishonest employees at otherwise honest merchants may steal your credit card number and expiration date using a "stripper", a magnetic device that can easily be concealed in a pocket, by running the "stripper" over the magnetic stripe of your card. This device "records" your card information and allows the dishonest employee (or an accomplice) to reproduce your card number exactly onto a blank credit card (easily available if you know where to get them) and make purchases under your card number. Be EXTREMELY careful when handing your credit card to an employee, and watch them at all times. The stripper device can easily be concealed. Also, be aware that criminals sometimes "plant" card reader devices on top of (or nested in) legitimate devices like gas pumps or ATMS. If you see something "attac

[graceisnuff]

on 3/24/2009 These tips were given to me by an employee at the fraud division of my bank:Be aware that dishonest employees at otherwise honest merchants may steal your credit card number and expiration date using a "stripper", a magnetic device that can easily be concealed in a pocket, by running the "stripper" over the magnetic stripe of your card. This device "records" your card information and allows the dishonest employee (or an accomplice) to reproduce your card number exactly onto a blank credit card (easily available if you know where to get them) and make purchases under your card number. Be EXTREMELY careful when handing your credit card to an employee, and watch them at all times. The stripper device can easily be concealed. Also, be aware that criminals sometimes "plant" card reader devices on top of (or nested in) legitimate devices like gas pumps or ATMS. If you see something "attac

[Melanierose]

on 8/7/2008 Very good article.

[klnygaard]

on 8/6/2008 Fantastic article!!!Points are right on!!

[LilacGirl]

on 8/6/2008 Excellent suggestions, very helpful article.