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Credit cards are
a great convenience but they can be
easily used to defraud you. Someone else could spend thousands of
dollars on
your credit/debit card, before you realize it. Credit card fraud
happens when
someone obtains your credit card account number and uses it. Here are
some
scenarios in which you could be cheated and the precautions you should
take:
A dishonest
person at the cash counter might make an
extra imprint of your card. A thief can get your account number and
expiration
date from a discarded receipt. Someone pretending to be a telemarketer
might
ask for your card number by offering you some goodies. A restaurant
cashier
might swipe your credit card in a small hand held device, known as a
skimmer,
which copies the information on your card, including your CVV, to make
a
counterfeit copy of your card. Though dishonest people constantly
discover more
innovative ways to commit fraud, here are some simple steps you can
take to
minimize these risks.
· On
receipt of a new card, ensure that it is sealed and that the seal has
not been
tampered with. Sign the back of a new credit card immediately on
receiving it.
·
Make
sure you do not forget your card at work or elsewhere.
·
While
making a purchase, ensure that the card is being swiped in front of you
and
that you get the right credit card back.
·
Know
when your statements should arrive. If one of your credit card bills is
late,
call the card issuer right away. A missing statement may indicate that
your
statement has been stolen and your details can be misused.
·
Check
your cards periodically to ensure that none is missing.
·
Destroy
and dispose all documents that mention the card number, such as copies
of
receipts, airline tickets, travel itineraries etc.
·
Make
a comprehensive list of all your cards and their numbers. Include the
expiration dates and the phone numbers to call if there is a problem.
Keep the
list in a safe place. Do not keep the list in your wallet or purse.
Also, do
not keep such list in your computer.
·
Do
subscribe for purchase alerts for your card spending.
·
While
shopping on line, make sure of the security of the site. Use a secure
web
browser and don't enter your card number, unless the little padlock is
displayed on the lower right-hand side of your browser. Also make sure
that the
web address starts with “https” rather than just “http”.
Other pages on Credit Cards: College Students in Credit Card Debt Credit Card Debt Credit Card Debt Consolidation Credit Card Debt Counseling Service Credit Card Debt elimination
Credit Card Debt Relief Credit Cards Home Reduce Credit Card Debt
Disclaimer: The information provided here is
only for
informative purposes and nothing more. It is not in any way to be
construed as authoritative. Always consult your financial advisor
before taking any decision. It is informed to the people that this
information that is provided here is not to be acted upon. In spite of
our advise, if any person acts upon the contents of this web site and
incurs a loss, they do it on their own risk. We are not to be held
responsible for any loss, incorrect information etc.
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