Fight Credit Card Fraud with Common Sense

By now, you have undoubtedly heard of credit card fraud, an alarming and damaging trend that is sweeping the country. Here's the bad news: It is disturbingly easy for thieves to obtain your credit card number--usually from discarded receipts or even directly from you. For instance, many solicitors masquerade as legitimate businesspeople--like those who offer vacation packages, for instance--when, in fact, they're looking for you to innocently hand over your credit card number so they can rack up illegal charges.

The good news is that there are many ways you can proactively and effectively protect yourself against credit card fraud:

-If your credit card has been lost or stolen, report it immediately to the card issuer. You are not obligated to pay for unauthorized charges once you report the loss.

-Sign new cards immediately once they arrive in the mail. Once you receive them, carry them in a separate case from your wallet.

-Notify credit card companies if you are about to move, either temporarily or permanently.

-Never offer your account number over the phone unless you're dealing with a reputable and legitimate company. If you have any question about a company, contact the Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.com ).

-Don't let your credit card out of your sight-not even for a minute-when you're using it. It only takes ten seconds for someone to covertly write down your account number and name.

-Things to destroy: Carbon copies and incorrect receipts. Things to keep in a safe place: A record of account numbers and legitimate receipts for comparison to billing statements.

-Don't sign blank credit card receipts. Draw a line through blank portions of the receipt where bogus charges can be added.

Above all, don't forget to use common sense when you're dealing with your credit card. Don't lend your card to anybody. Don't carry around cards you rarely use. And never, ever write your account number where someone can see it?not even on an envelope! You CAN prevent credit card fraud from happening to you and your loved ones by following these simple practices.

For more information on credit card fraud and other credit issues, please visit http://www.informedcredit.com

Beth West has an extensive background in marketing and public relations, serving in management positions in both the hospitality and software industries. Currently acting as the Director of Marketing for InformedCredit, Beth is also trying to launch a freelance writing business.

---

Debit Card vs. Credit Card, What Are The Differences ?

Ah, the "good old days". If you are a baby... Read More

Your Consumer Rights

If you have ever fallen behind on your debts you... Read More

Bad Credit Loans For Those Who Seek Alternatives for New or Old Car

You can still save money on a Bad Credit Loan... Read More

5 Surefire Ways To Eliminate Credit Card Debt

Do you have enormous credit card debt? You are certainly... Read More

Fair Credit Reporting Act: What You Should Know About It?

The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is designated to... Read More

Credit Repair, How To

Credit repair, is in a word, vital to reestablishing your... Read More

Rate Tarts Losing Ability to Cherry Pick

A "rate tart" is someone who switches from one zero... Read More

How To Start A Second SEPERATE Credit File!

Your personal credit file is separated from those with the... Read More

Credit Scores and Loan Applications

Keep Your Credit History Clean - Remove A Negative Credit... Read More

0% Credit Cards

These days, credit cards in the UK are competing with... Read More

Is Your Credit Score Costing You Money?

Most of us want a good credit report to obtain... Read More

Bank Robbery Growing In U.S.

Bank robbery has grown to become a huge problem in... Read More

How to Improve Your Credit Rating

So you got into debt, had problems but you got... Read More

7 Compelling Reasons Why A Prepaid Debit Card May Be Just The Financial Tool You Need

Prepaid debit cards are great financial tools and may be... Read More

Choosing The Best Credit Card To Apply For

Always shop around to get the best deal when choosing... Read More

Choosing the Best Low Interest Credit Card

With so many low interest credit cards on offer, how... Read More

Commercial Collections And Credit Granting

It is estimated that billions of dollars in delinquent commercial... Read More

ChexSystems: Alternative Options for People Whove Been Checking Accounts

Individual banks elect to become members of ChexSystems, and to... Read More

Why Should You Use Credit Cards

Believe it or not, the way society, especially the commercial... Read More

Student Credit Cards 101

If you're a college student, you probably already have a... Read More

Shoppers Beware - Tis The Season

It's the number one complaint from consumers and it only... Read More

5 Things Your Credit Card Company Keeps Quiet About

Credit Cards can bankrupt you if you let them run... Read More

How Your Credit History Can Affect Your Life

Your credit history is an important aspect of your life.... Read More

3 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score by 50 Points In Less Than 30 Days

In Less Than 30 Days. "What can you do to... Read More

Credit Damage: Getting Compensated for Your Loss

Until recently lawyers for victims of credit damage had little... Read More

Various Types of Credit Cards - Part 2

Several different types of credit cards offer several different options,... Read More

Grants, Loans, Free Credit Cards And Credit Repair: The Whole Truth And Nothing But The Truth

You got creditors calling you everyday. You could lose the... Read More

Establishing Credit ? What You Need To Know Part 2

In my previous article "Establishing Credit ? What You Need... Read More

Understanding Credit Report Score

Understanding credit report scores is important when you see your... Read More

What Happens When Your Credit Is Damaged? Do You Have Recourse?

The good thing about bad credit is that you can... Read More

Credit Help For Renters And Others On The Horizon

Sue is a homeowner and pays her mortgage and other... Read More

How did a Thief get my Name? Don?t be a Victim of Identity Theft

How do these people get my name? If you have... Read More

How Credit Scoring Works

The all important credit score! It determines the amount of... Read More