by: Debbie Dragon
70 plus million people this year will have their identity compromised. Credit card and identity theft is actually one of the fastest growing crimes in our country. Every month people open their credit card bills and bank statements to find fraudulent activity. There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself. By following the tips in this article, you can hopefully protect yourself from becoming a statistic.
Always keep track of your credit card and bank cards. Know where they are at all times. Only carry cards with you that you use often. Leave other cards in a safe place at home.
Always get a receipt and immediately double check it. Verify that the receipt is correct and nothing has been added to it. Only give out your credit card information to reputable companies. Never give your credit card information to someone over the phone unless you were the one to make the call and you are absolutely certain the company you are dealing with is legitimate. Beware of phone call scams where people will try to get you to give them your credit card number over the phone for some type of verification.
As soon as you receive your bank and credit card statements each month open them and carefully look them over. If there is any suspicious activity call the company immediately to report the fraudulent charges. Almost all credit card companies have 24 hour phone lines so that you can report card emergencies any time day or night.
Shred your bank statements and credit card statements; never just toss them in the trash. Do the same thing with your credit card receipts.
Never share your personal information at on-line social networks, like Facebook for example. Identity thieves look for information they can use like your address, place of birth, etc.
If you receive credit card applications in the mail that you are not going to use, shred them immediately. Identity thieves can take the applications, and with the right information may be able to apply for and get a card in your name without you knowing it.
Never write down your pin number and keep it anywhere near you credit or debit card. Some people will write their pin number right on the card or keep it on a piece of paper in their wallet. This is obviously a big no no.
As soon as you get a new card sign it. If it is replacing an existing card, shred the old one immediately.
Don’t ever let anyone borrow your credit cards, even someone you really trust. You never know what could happen.
Be careful when using atm machines. Make sure you are using a legitimate machine and be careful of lurkers that could be trying to get your information. Make sure you are aware of your surrounding and use your body to cover as you type in your pin number and are accessing your bank information.
If you are planning to move, be sure to notify your credit card company, preferably before you move.
Unless you use them, call and ask your credit card company to not send you blank checks in the mail. These can easily be stolen by identity thieves.
If you do suspect that you are a victim of credit card or identity theft, know your rights. US law protects consumers, and once you have reported to your credit card company of loss or theft of your card, you are not responsible for any unauthorized charges. Under federal law you are only liable up to $50.00 for each card. Most credit card companies work with their customers who have had compromised accounts and will not even charge them the $50.00 the law allows them to.
