How to Avoid Credit Card Scams

Member

By betterbody
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (35 Ratings)

Avoid credit card scams

With all the warnings about how to avoid credit card scams, you would think there would be less victims. Unfortunately, more people are being victimized. How can you stop this from happening to you?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A cautious attitude
Knowledge
Copy of your credit report
Your laptop

Step 1

To help yourself avoid credit card scams, remember: Knowledge is power! Dust off the laptop, go online, and request free copies of your credit report. You can get a free copy of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus, which are listed in resources below. Once you have your copies, check the address, and other personal information. If even one thing looks wrong, correct it ASAP.
Step 2

Can you avoid credit card scams by closing your credit files?

If you feel your credit information has been used by someone else, close your credit file. Many people do not know they can do this simply by making the request. This will stop anyone from viewing your file for the purpose of soliciting you, and from approving credit connected with your name, social security number, etc. If you want to apply for credit at a later date, you can request the information be released.
Step 3

Never give your social security number, or other personal information when someone you were not expecting to hear from calls you requesting this. Your bank, lender, insurance company, or current credit card company, such Visa or American Express, will never call you for such information. If it is needed for any reason, you will receive a letter in the mail. Such letters will have phone numbers you are already aware of, such as those listed on your credit cards, or loan payment books. If you are ever suspicious about any paperwork, contact the main office of the company involved, stating your concerns.
Step 4

Be cautious of anyone asking for your credit card information.

Be cautious about notices received in the mail stating you owe an old utility bill, cell phone bill, or old credit card bill you are not familiar with. These are often for low amounts-$12.95 or so. The notice will include a form that can be used to pay the bill by credit card. Sometimes there is a convenient toll free number you can use to pay this old bill in a hurry. This can be either an attempt to get money from you when you do not owe it, or an attempt to get credit card information from the unsuspecting.
Step 5

There have been reports of traveling merchants who are using old portable credit card machines at fairs or flea markets who have been less than honest. A shopper realizes once a credit card statement arrives that they have been charged more than what they remember signing for, so keep a copy of all your receipts. If you can't prove you did not spend the money, it can be your word against theirs.
Step 6

Credit card scams include others getting cards using your info!

Do not be quick to list your birth date or other personal information when asked for such online, or on forms that don't add up. Why would you need to list your birth date, or the last 4 digits of your social to get a subscription to a magazine? Why would someone be in your neighborhood selling books to earn college money, and requesting such details when you make a purchase?
Step 7

Many people fail to avoid credit card scams because they are afraid to insult the stranger who is making them feel uncomfortable. As hard as it seems sometimes, learn to say no when you need more details.